The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Sports & Training Center stands as a beacon of inclusion, empowerment, and community within the realm of sports and athletics. Named in honor of the remarkable Eunice Kennedy Shriver, this integral portion of the Sports Complex serves as more than just a venue for athletic endeavors—it is a hub of activity, innovation, and collaboration, hosting a diverse array of conferences, seminars, and meetings that embody the spirit of progress and excellence.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the sister of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, was a trailblazing advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Her tireless efforts to promote inclusion and equality in sports laid the foundation for the modern Special Olympics movement, transforming the lives of countless individuals around the world. With her unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, Eunice Kennedy Shriver shattered barriers and challenged stereotypes, leaving an indelible legacy that continues to inspire generations.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the field of sports and disability rights, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Sports & Training Center stands as a testament to her enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to empowering individuals of all abilities. Within its walls, a myriad of conferences, seminars, and meetings take place, bringing together leaders, experts, and advocates from various fields to collaborate, innovate, and drive positive change.
From symposiums on inclusive sports programming to workshops on adaptive equipment and training techniques, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Sports & Training Center serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Here, researchers, educators, coaches, and policymakers come together to share best practices, exchange ideas, and explore new approaches to promoting inclusion and accessibility in sports and physical activity.
One of the hallmarks of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Sports & Training Center is its commitment to fostering partnerships and building bridges across disciplines. By convening stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, the center facilitates cross-pollination of ideas and fosters synergies that drive innovation and progress. Whether it’s through panel discussions, roundtable sessions, or networking events, the center provides a platform for collaboration and collective action.
In addition to its role as a convening space for conferences and meetings, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Sports & Training Center also serves as a training ground for athletes of all abilities. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, the center provides a supportive and inclusive environment where athletes can hone their skills, build confidence, and pursue their dreams. From adaptive sports programs to specialized coaching clinics, the center offers a wide range of opportunities for athletes to excel and thrive.
As the legacy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver continues to inspire and guide its mission, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Sports & Training Center remains committed to advancing the principles of inclusion, equality, and empowerment in sports and athletics. Through its diverse programming, collaborative partnerships, and unwavering dedication to excellence, the center serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for individuals of all abilities, embodying the transformative power of sports to unite, inspire, and uplift.
Sports Complex
The Special Olympics New Jersey Sports Complex is a one-of-a-kind facility that gives registered athletes, their families, and the community a place to come together to experience an array of programs and services that we have to offer.
Explore our event calendar to see what’s happening at the Sports Complex.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Sports & Training Center
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Sports & Training Center hosts a variety of conferences, seminars and meetings. This portion of the Sports Complex was named after Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of Special Olympics. Mrs. Shriver had many memorable visits to New Jersey over the years, with her last in 2007 when she attended the dedication of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Sports & Training Center.
Wawa Exercise & Wellness Center
The Wawa Exercise & Wellness Center is the official training center for Special Olympics New Jersey athletes. Eligible athletes are encouraged to train three times a week in a Unified environment by including a friend, sibling, or parent as a training partner. The center is fully equipped with the latest cardio and fitness machines and is staffed by certified trainers and fitness professionals.
HOURS
Tuesdays: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursdays: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Must be at least 16 years old to train independently, athletes ages 9-15 must be accompanied by adult supervision. Athletes must have a current medical on file in order to participate
Questions?? Please contact INFO@sonj.org.
TD Sports Field
The TD Sports Field is a regulation 5v5 turf soccer field that is the first of its kind to be used exclusively for Special Olympics programs. This playing field hosts numerous events, including tournament and league play, along with individual skills and team training. It is also used extensively during the summer for Camp Shriver and for the Special Olympics New Jersey Unified Sports® program.
RWJBarnabas Health Sports Court
The RWJBarnabas Health Sports Court consists of a full-size outdoor basketball court and three pickleball courts. Dedicated in 2021, this newly renovated multi-purpose court allows athletes to train and hone their individual or team skills and will play an important role in providing activities for campers attending Camp Shriver in the summer.
The Walsh Education & Family Center
This Center, also known as the Walsh Library, provides computer and internet access, lounge areas, and meeting space for athletes and their families. Throughout the year, conferences covering legal issues, health and wellness topics, sport-specific training, and other areas of interest are held here free of charge for athletes and their families.
Champions Patio & Law Enforcement Tribute Walk
Dedicated as a living tribute to Sean Nelligan, this area of the Sports Complex is a magnificent tribute to the athletes, families, volunteers, and sponsors who have contributed to the success of Special Olympics New Jersey. The support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run community is recognized with the Law Enforcement Tribute Walk. The patio plays host to Camp Shriver, luncheons, special events, and competitions.
Sargent Shriver Gymnasium
Sargent Shriver, the husband of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, has been recognized as one of the greatest Americans of our time and was instrumental in the global expansion of the Special Olympics movement in the 1980s and 1990s. To honor his contributions, Special Olympics New Jersey dedicated and named the gymnasium after him. The gymnasium provides a space for training and competition for basketball and volleyball as well as Camp Shriver and Young Athletes community programs.
