Above: Gottheimer wishes athletes good luck as they get ready to compete in the New Jersey Special Olympics

VERNON, NJ – On Monday, February 4, 2019, Gottheimer helped kick off the 50th annual Special Olympics NJ games at Mountain Creek in Vernon. Over one hundred athletes gathered at Mountain Creek Resort for the opening ceremony before competing in events like snowshoeing, the 4×100 meter relay, speed skating, and more.

“The athletes with Special Olympics NJ are inspiring. They pour themselves into competition just like anyone else and it is only fitting they have an incredible platform like this one. I appreciate the organizers and volunteers for their hard work in putting this event together,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Events like this one underscore the importance of the work I do in Congress to help create opportunity for all and building inclusive communities.”

Special Olympics NJ’s mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them 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.