The New Jersey Special Olympics has a storied history dating back to its inception in 1968. Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the organization aims to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Over the decades, the Special Olympics has grown into a global movement, transforming the lives of millions of athletes around the world.
The roots of the New Jersey Special Olympics can be traced back to the Shriver Center, a pioneering institution dedicated to the research and treatment of intellectual disabilities. Located in Ewing, New Jersey, the Shriver Center played a pivotal role in the early development of the Special Olympics movement, providing support and resources to athletes and families across the state.
In 1969, New Jersey hosted its first Special Olympics Summer Games at Rutgers University, welcoming athletes from across the state to compete in a variety of sports including track and field, swimming, and gymnastics. The event was a resounding success, sparking a tradition of inclusion and empowerment that continues to this day.
Today, the New Jersey Special Olympics continues to thrive, offering year-round programming and events for athletes of all ages and abilities. From local competitions to regional qualifiers, athletes have the opportunity to train and compete in their chosen sports, building confidence, friendships, and life skills along the way.
One of the highlights of the Special Olympics calendar is the annual Summer Games, held each June in Trenton, New Jersey. The event brings together thousands of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and spectators for a weekend of competition, camaraderie, and celebration. Athletes compete in a wide range of sports, from traditional track and field events to team sports like basketball and soccer.
In addition to the Summer Games, the New Jersey Special Olympics also hosts a variety of other events throughout the year, including the Polar Bear Plunge, a fundraising event held each winter in Seaside Heights, and the Unified Game Day, where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities come together to compete as teammates.
The New Jersey Special Olympics is more than just a series of athletic competitions; it’s a community that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and the power of sport to change lives. Through the dedication of volunteers, coaches, sponsors, and supporters, the organization continues to fulfill its mission of empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to reach their full potential, both on and off the playing field.
