NBC Connecticut sports reporter Matt Finkel rappelled 30 stories down the outside of Mohegan Sun on Friday. Matt was joined by Special Olympics Global Messenger Matt Glad, who was making his 14th rappel. This is the third year the two have gone down Mohegan Sun side by side.
"It was awesome," Glad said. "I'm happy when they cheer me on. It makes me feel good."
Participants have to raise $1,250, which goes to supporting year-round sports, health, and fitness programs for athletes of all abilities.
"It's so important, it's the money that allows us to have year-round sports and health programs that help our athletes perform their best and make friendships that last forever and just realize what they can do," said Debbie Horne, Special Olympics Connecticut Senior Director of Communications and Marketing.
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This is the 14th year for the fundraiser and Special Olympics Connecticut reached a milestone this year, sending its 1,000th person Over the Edge.
"It's incredible," said Horne. "I think some people who haven't done it before, a lot of them have because they come back year after year, but when they actually complete it, it's just a lot of high fives and a lot of hugs from family and friends that are there to support them and they feel really excited about what they did, not only going Over the Edge but supporting our athletes, giving them something so exciting to be a part of."
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"I did it," said Glad. "And I want to do it again next year with my buddy Matt Finkel."
Matt and Matt are already committed to rappel together in 2025.
