NORWICH – After spending years participating in and coaching sports, Mike Chase of Morris said he knows what it is like to achieve a reward. He hopes that by opening a business in Norwich called The Trophy Guy and Sports Connection, he can help others feel that sense of gratification.

“Achievement deserves recognition,” Chase said. “People feel good when they get recognition, and it makes me feel good to be a part of that.” Located at 22 S. Broad St., Chase hopes his store will help offer that recognition through a wide range of trophies, plaques, awards and figures. In addition to building custom-made trophies, the store will also offer heat transfer hats and tees, for group or team needs, and a variety of stadium seats.

Chase said he got the idea to open the shop a couple of years ago. “I had a passion for sports, a passion for cars and a passion for music. Those are three of the main avenues trophies are awarded in,” he said.

The idea became a reality when the store front became available. “The timing was everything in finding the location,” Chase said. “Between the passion for the product and the timing luck, we were able to open in mid-January.