News Department

Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games 2023

Athletes Return to State-Level Competition

EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (Mercer County) – Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) has announced the marquee event of the competition year and culmination of months of hard work by thousands of athletes, returns to the campus of The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) Friday, June 9 through Sunday, June 11.

Over 2,000 athletes and Unified partners from across the Garden State, representing all 21 counties divided into 13 areas, will compete in athletics (track & field), bocce, gymnastics, powerlifting, softball, swimming, and tennis. Competitions will take place on TCNJ’s campus, Armstrong Memorial Park, and Schafer Sports Center in Ewing.

The weekend’s festivities kick-off early Friday morning around 4:45 a.m., as law enforcement officers, known as “Guardians of the Flame” take to the streets of their communities during the 40th annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey. More than 3,000 officers, split up into 26 separate legs, will carry the Flame of Hope to raise awareness for Special Olympics New Jersey.

The annual Torch Run culminates Friday evening at SONJ’s signature kick-off to Summer Games, Opening Ceremony. The ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m. in Lions Stadium at TCNJ and all are welcome to attend. The ceremony will include a Parade of Athletes marching into the stadium, joined by some of our most loyal supporters, including numerous law enforcement officers. After the Parade of Athletes, select law enforcement officers and athletes will run with the Flame of Hope to light the cauldron, followed by a special appearance by SONJ athlete, DJ Redline, and a spectacular fireworks display.

Competitions will take place throughout the day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the various venues and spectators are encouraged to attend to cheer on the athletes as they compete.

In addition to competition, Young Athletes™ will host developmental sports activities and a Future Stars Race for children ages 2-7 with intellectual disabilities; Healthy Athletes will offer athletes the opportunity to meet with healthcare professionals in vision, dental, hearing, podiatry, mindfulness, health education, and can receive concussion baseline screening. Athletes will have access to the Olympic Village and Athlete Experience, both of which offer fun activities for the athletes when they are not competing.

All the weekend’s events are completely free of charge to the athletes who compete, including food, housing, entertainment, and health screenings. This and all SONJ events would not be possible without thousands of volunteers. Over 3,000 volunteers, including coaches, officials, clinicians, photographers, event support, and numerous other roles will be on hand throughout the weekend to support the athletes.

The 2023 SONJ Summer Games are greatly supported by Wakefern Food Corp./ShopRite, which donates lunch for everyone in attendance.

For an event schedule, information about individual sports activities, and complete Summer Games coverage, visit www.sonjsummergames.org.

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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