Paralympian & ESPN Host Victoria Arlen Visited the COMO

The Stonington Community Center (COMO) is excited to announce Victoria Arlen, of ESPN, Dancing with the Stars, & American Ninja Warrior, gave an interactive, motivational question and answer session at the Her Time to Play, free girls’ basketball program End of Year Celebration on Monday, June 29.

Arlen’s life drastically changed at the tender age of eleven when she developed two rare conditions known as Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis. She lost the ability to speak, eat, walk and move, slipping into a vegetative state in which doctors had written her off as a lost cause. Arlen spent four years "locked” inside her own body. Now Arlenis an accomplished TV host, motivational speaker, author, gold-medalist swimmer, CEO and philanthropist. She has achieved far more than ever imagined, especially after not being expected to live to 15 years old. The girls were inspired by her story of perseverance, eager to know about her condition and how she overcame the odds. “Fear isn’t always a bad thing.

Sometimes it means you really care about something…With fear, you have to feel it and still put one foot in front of the other. You might fall but you might not.” Arlen said, encouraging the girls not to give up in the face of adversity.

“Her Time to Play" is part of a larger initiative created by the WNBA and NBA to inspire the next generation of girls to engage in basketball in a positive, supportive environment. With nearly twice as many girls compared to boys dropping out of sports by age 14 due to societal barriers, this program aims to foster confidence, leadership, and teamwork, while addressing the unique challenges faced by girls in sports. Each year the number of participants in this free program has grown, from 60 to over 100 girls.

The Her Time to Play program is sponsored by loyal supporter of the COMO, Breezeline internet and TV provider, ensuring that it remains free of charge and accessible to all local girls who wish to participate. Additionally, the grant given by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation highlights the program’s importance within the local community.

About the Stonington Community Center (COMO):

The COMO offers a wide range of programs and activities designed to enrich the lives of residents of all ages. From arts and education to athletics and community events, the COMO is committed to fostering a welcoming and engaged community in Stonington and beyond.