Special Olympics New Jersey is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization that provides sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization operates on an annual budget primarily funded through individual, corporate, civic and foundation dollars that make up more than 98% of the annual operating budget. All programs are free to registered athletes including insurance, facilities, equipment, uniforms, housing & meals for events, awards, sports, education and more. In addition to programs offered on the local, county, sectional and state levels, Special Olympics New Jersey offers athletes free participation in all activities at the
The organization's mission includes providing continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. It was created by the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation and is authorized and accredited by Special Olympics, Inc. for the Benefit of Persons with intellectual disabilities.
Special Olympics believes that through sports training and competition, people with intellectual disabilities are benefited physically, mentally, socially and spiritually; families are strengthened, and the community at large, both through participation and observation, is united in understanding with those with intellectual disabilities in an environment of equality, respect and acceptance.
Athletes' Oath: Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
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In New Jersey, athletes participate in:
Special Olympics New Jersey conducts four major events annually:
Athletes advance to higher levels of competition, as described below, through criteria established by the previous level of competition in accordance with Special Olympics policies and procedures.
Area events are local events held within the county or counties in the area. Competition must be conducted in compliance with official Special Olympics Rules. Area events may be conducted as qualifiers in order to meet the criteria for advancement to the next level of competition.
Invitational events may be conducted to include two or more Local Training Programs or Areas. These events do not qualify athletes for advancement in their sport, but simply serve as another competition opportunity.
Sectional events are conducted as qualifiers in order to meet the criteria for athletes to advance to Chapter level competition. Competition is conducted in compliance with Official Special Olympics Rules. Sectional Events are regional competitions held throughout the state.
Chapter events are state-wide competitions conducted at the culmination of each sports season and serve as qualifiers to meet the criteria for athletes to advance to the National level of competition. Chapter events are the highest level of competition offered for athletes within the state. Chapter competition is conducted in compliance with Special Olympics rules.
National Summer Games are conducted every four years. Each Chapter of the United States sends a delegation representing their state. National Games are conducted as qualifiers in order to meet the criteria for athletes to advance to the World Games level of competition.
World Games are offered every two years on an alternating Winter Games and Summer Games basis. The United States are represented as one delegation under TEAM USA.
In 2009, 24 New Jersey athletes participated in the World Games held in Boise, Idaho. The event drew 3,000 athletes who represented more than 100 countries.[1]
To be eligible to participate in Special Olympics, athletes must be at least 8 years old* and identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disability; a cognitive delay as determined by standardized measures such as intelligence quotient or other generally accepted measures; or a closely related developmental disability, i.e., functional limitations in both general learning and adaptive skills. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics.
*Children ages 2 ½ to 7 are eligible to participate in the Young Athlete Program.