Last weekend I had the honor to attend the Special Olympics Summer Games for the state of New Jersey. I attended the 3 day overnight event with a whopping 75 athletes and coaches. We brought with the largest delegation in Mercer county and nearly the largest for the whole state.
The athletes from the Hamilton Area YMCA competed across several disciplines. We had track and field, bocce, softball, and power lifting competitors. I was fortunate enough to be a track and field coach for this round of games.
The weekend started off with the families dropping off the athletes at the dorms of The College of New Jersey. Each athlete was greeted by a coach and were individually settled into their dorm room for the weekend. I was able to use my RN skills again and had the chance to manage the medication sheets and distribution for the athletes as well. After a group dinner we gathered for Opening Ceremonies. First was the Law Enforcement Torch Run followed by the parade of athletes. What a spectacle that was to see the stadium filled to the brim with cheering family, friends, and fans. The athletes were pumped to be there and have such a warm reception. After the ceremony we were treated to music and fireworks then it was back to the dorms to settle in for our first night.
The next morning we were off for a group breakfast and our first morning of competition. Our whole group headed out to our staging area where we slathered on sunscreen and hydrated to stay ahead of the nearly 100 degree heat. Like a well oiled machine, our athletes were escorted to their events by volunteer escorts and coaches. Within minutes we were adding to our medal count. Our day wrapped up with copious awards and a party in the stadium.
Our second night was a birthday party for our Head Coach and Special Kids Organized Recreation Coordinator, Patrick Jackson. The athletes were so excited to share a special day with him, as they all look up to this tremendous individual. Our second day was filled with more competition and enjoying activities inside Olympic Village. Parents trickled in through out the day to watch the events and gather their athletes.
Several parents expressed enormous amounts of gratitude to the coaches and volunteers. They explained that their children look forward to the games and can hardly wait to compete. They went into further detail by explaining that it was also a respite for the caregivers and a chance to see their children in a different environment. Several of our athletes were away from home overnight for the first time and we had the responsibility to ensure that they would be cared for. All in all, everyone had a great time and plans are already in the works for Winter Games. The event would not have been such a success without all the dedicated volunteers and coaches. I urge you all to sign up and give Special Olympics a shot. I promise you'll be hooked! Visit www.specialolympics.org for more information on volunteering or donating.
Live What You Love,
Amber Mack
Mrs. New Jersey International 2015
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