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Founder Of Newtown Youth Academy Honored As United Way Hometown Hero

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- Peter D’Amico of Newtown has been named a Hometown Hero Award honoree by the United Way of Western Connecticut. 

Peter D'Amico

Peter D'Amico

Photo Credit: Facebook

D'Amico, a businessman and entrepreneur, founded the Newtown Youth Academy in November 2008 as a nonprofit sports facility dedicated to the health and well-being of youth and families in Newtown and surrounding areas. 

NYA is a private 90,000-square-foot complex that hosts and facilitates affordable and sponsored programs such as community events, fitness, training, and sport competitions. After the tragedy in Sandy Hook in 2012, D'Amico opened the doors of NYA as a gathering spot for young students and their families, and made sure that no media cameras were permitted. 

For many months, D'Amico brought in professional service and sports organizations to bring special programs to Newtown. D'Amico also demonstrated his generosity during power outages after major storms by welcoming community members into his facility for showers and warmth. 

A Newtown resident since 1980, D'Amico, who also owns an international building company, has coached soccer teams in town for more than 30 years. His soccer teams have won several state titles and have traveled to Europe to compete on an international level. D'Amico and his wife Marie raised four sons in Newtown and have 10 grandchildren.

He will be honored by the United Way of Western Connecticut at its third annual Hometown Heroes Benefit Dinner at The Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury on Saturday, Feb. 27.

All the honorees have distinguished themselves through philanthropy and volunteerism.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Sonia Manzano, an author and actress who inspired, educated, and delighted children and families as "Maria" on Sesame Street for more than 30 years.

A first generation American of Latino descent, her story is one of perseverance and courage as she overcame countless obstacles to become one of the most influential Latinas in television.

The event will include dinner and dancing, as well as silent and live auctions. The evening will be emceed by NFL stadium announcer, John Heffernan. Proceeds from this event will benefit UWWC’s work in support of ALICE families.

For further information and to purchase tickets and sponsorships, visit the website here or contact Stacy Schulman at stacy.schulman@uwwesternct.org or 203-792-5330 ext. 247.

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