Each season brings something unique to the athletes, volunteers, and communities involved with Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ). However, spring holds a special place in the hearts of everyone involved, as it signifies the culmination of months of training, teamwork, and passion. For SONJ, “Spring” is synonymous with league play and county competitions for basketball and bowling, culminating in the highly anticipated Spring Games tournaments. The 2025 edition of these games, held in Wildwood, New Jersey, was particularly remarkable for its 20th iteration of the basketball tournament, highlighting the long-standing partnership between SONJ and the Wildwood community.
The 2025 Spring Games: A Showcase of Dedication and Perseverance
The Spring Games, a flagship event for Special Olympics New Jersey, took place from March 29-30 at the Wildwoods Convention Center and surrounding venues. This year’s tournament saw 573 athletes from 54 teams competing in 78 matches for the prestigious gold medals and, of course, the joy of friendly competition. These athletes, representing various communities across the state, showcased extraordinary talent and sportsmanship, underscoring the true spirit of Special Olympics.
During the Opening Ceremony, attendees were treated to a heartwarming presentation. The town of Wildwood, along with its hotels and venues, received a commemorative plaque as a token of appreciation for their unwavering support over the years. This collaboration has been instrumental in creating a welcoming environment for the athletes and making the Spring Games a resounding success year after year.
“Wildwood has always been an incredible host for our Spring Games, and we’re honored to be back for the 20th time,” said one of the SONJ event coordinators. “This long-standing partnership speaks volumes about the town’s commitment to inclusion and community support.”
More Than Just Competition: Health and Wellness Initiatives at the Games
Beyond the competition, SONJ places a strong emphasis on the overall well-being of its athletes. The Spring Games 2025 featured several health-related components, including Strong Minds, Performance Stations, and Special Smiles, designed to address the emotional, physical, and dental health of participants.
Strong Minds
This program provided emotional health screenings for athletes, helping them cope with the stresses that often accompany competition. It was a resounding success, with 12 athletes taking advantage of the one-on-one time with mental health volunteers. These athletes learned valuable coping strategies in a relaxing environment designed to promote mindfulness and mental well-being.
Performance Stations
The Performance Stations offered athletes an opportunity to engage in 100 activities designed to boost their physical fitness and performance. These stations were incredibly popular, encouraging athletes to stretch, warm up, and focus on improving their skills for the games ahead. The activities ranged from simple stretches to more intense exercises, helping athletes prepare both mentally and physically for the competition.
Special Smiles
A standout feature at the 2025 Spring Games was the Colgate Dental RV, which provided oral health screenings, cleanings, and treatments for 50 athletes. The initiative also featured education on oral hygiene, equipping athletes with the knowledge they need to maintain good dental health. Special Olympics New Jersey’s commitment to holistic athlete care is a testament to their focus on not just the athleticism but also the overall health of the participants.
Young Athletes Program Returns: A New Era of Growth
In another exciting development, the Young Athletes event made its grand return to the Spring Games in Wildwood after a long hiatus due to the pandemic. This program is designed to introduce children with intellectual disabilities, aged 2 to 7, to basic sports skills and activities. A total of 14 athletes participated, alongside their families, learning introductory skills in basketball and bowling.
This initiative was not only a success in Wildwood but also lays the groundwork for a new community program in Ocean City, NJ. The positive feedback and growth of this event demonstrate its importance in the overall development of younger athletes and provide a solid foundation for future expansion.
Bowling Tournament: A Strike for Success
After the basketball competition, the 2025 Spring Games continued with the highly anticipated bowling tournament held on April 5-6. This event was hosted by a longtime partner, Bowlero of North Brunswick, and saw an incredible turnout.
On April 5, a total of 81 teams of four athletes—26 Unified teams and 55 traditional teams—competed in three games each, all hoping to earn a place on the podium. Unified teams, which consist of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, showcased teamwork at its finest. The following day, 286 bowlers participated in the individual competition, also playing three games, bringing their A-game to the lanes in pursuit of gold.
The bowling tournament was a fantastic display of skill, camaraderie, and perseverance, with athletes of all abilities showing how sport can bring people together, regardless of their background.
A Huge Success: Thanks to Volunteers and Supporters
The Spring Games would not have been possible without the incredible volunteers and supporters who dedicate their time, energy, and resources to the event. Volunteers were instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of the games, from registration and setup to helping athletes on the field. Special thanks go to the individuals and organizations that provided support, including the town of Wildwood, local hotels, and sponsors.
“Thank you to the volunteers, family members, and supporters who made this year’s Spring Games an unforgettable experience,” said the event coordinator. “You are the true champions, and we couldn’t do it without you.”
Looking Ahead: Exciting Events and Opportunities
The spirit of the Spring Games doesn’t fade away as the seasons change. With summer approaching, Special Olympics New Jersey is gearing up for another exciting year of competition and celebration. Additionally, the announcement of the 2025 Unified Fore Joy Topgolf ProAm has already created a buzz among supporters and participants alike.
2025 Unified Fore Joy Topgolf ProAm: Register Today!
Set for Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Topgolf Edison, the second annual Unified Fore Joy Topgolf ProAm will bring together golfers of all abilities for a night of fun, friendly competition, and fundraising for a great cause. Teams of six golfers will compete in Topgolf’s TopContender game, where scores are collected and shared globally. Each team will be paired with a Special Olympics New Jersey athlete, fostering unity and showcasing the power of inclusion.
Registration for this event is now open, and participants are encouraged to sign up early. Teams can register up to five players per bay and will be joined by one SONJ athlete. For sponsorship opportunities and more information, you can contact Jason Anderson at JRA@sonj.org.
Stay Connected
As always, be sure to follow Special Olympics New Jersey on social media for up-to-date news, event coverage, and more opportunities to get involved. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer, a dedicated athlete, or a passionate supporter, there’s always a place for you in the Special Olympics New Jersey community.
The 2025 Spring Games were a monumental success, from the spirited competition to the engaging health initiatives. Athletes showcased remarkable talent, and the Wildwood community once again demonstrated its commitment to inclusion and support. Special Olympics New Jersey is poised for an even brighter future as more events and initiatives unfold, providing athletes with the opportunities and resources they need to thrive. The countdown to the next season begins, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our athletes and supporters!