By Audrey Levine Staff Writer
Despite oppressive heat as temperatures climbed toward the 100-degree mark over the June 7-8 weekend, athletes from across the state, including about 12 from Hillsborough and Manville, braved the elements to compete in the annual 2008 Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games Friday through Saturday.
”It was a challenge to have everyone compete because of the extreme weather,” said Larry Hanko, an area director for the Somerset County Special Olympics. “But they were troopers and everyone did fantastic.”
The games were held at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), in Ewing, and featured more than 2,200 athletes from all over the state, including about three from Manville and about nine from Hillsborough.
”There are more than 17,000 Special Olympics athletes training and competing throughout the state of New Jersey,” said Doreen Pustizzi, director of communications for the event. “They train in their local communities and then go on to compete at their Area Games.”
Chris Hughes, a Hillsborough resident and outfielder whose Somerset Tigers A softball team took home third place over the weekend, said that all the teams playing were very good, but, despite the intense competition, it was a fun weekend.
”Staying overnight and being with my teammates, (was great),” he said. “We had a good time.”
According to Mr. Hanko, each athlete competes in a local training program lasting about eight weekends, before participating in the area games. Those finishing in the top three places, he said, qualify for the sectional level, then move on to the summer games if they place in the top three spots again.
”The Special Olympics Summer Games is the largest state event of the year,” he said. “All of the coaches were extremely proud this weekend and people were breaking personal records.”
Ms. Pustizzi said the athletes – who are eligible if they are intellectually disabled, according to the Special Olympics Web site compete in aquatics, bocce, tennis, track & field, softball, gymnastics and powerlifting.
Athletes must also be at least eight years old to participate.
Despite the throngs of people who attend the events and crowd the stands, softball player and Hillsborough resident Casey Mann, also a member of the Somerset Tigers A softball team, said he is never nervous.
”No,” he said vehemently when asked if nerves are ever a problem when playing. “I like competing and watching other people play.”
Mr. Mann, 31, said he joined the Somerset Tigers softball team when he was about 15 years old, and has stayed with it since then, getting the opportunity to attend the summer games countless times.
”I’ve been going for a long time,” he said. “I love the atmosphere and I get to see my friends.”
Ms. Pustizzi said the Special Olympics has been held at TCNJ for the past 18 years, and that in addition to the athletes, about 500 coaches and 2,000 volunteers the event usually attracts thousands of family members and spectators throughout the weekend.
”Since we are a statewide program, it was important to have a location that was centrally located, can house all of our athletes and coaches and has exceptional sports facilities,” she said.
According to Mr. Hanko, the largest group in the summer games came from Somerset County, with 28 local training programs represented.
”At this year’s Summer Games, Somerset County had one of the largest delegations in the state,” he said. “Our total Somerset County delegation was 260 athletes and coaches.”
In addition to the actual competitions, Mr. Hanko said the athletes had the opportunity to participate in an opening ceremony at Sovereign Bank Arena, in Trenton and a Victory Dance on Saturday night, as well as attending the Olympic Village, which is set up at TCNJ and features miniature golf, a photo booth and other carnival activities.
”It was the first year we had an opening at the arena,” he said. “There was an extraordinary amount of people at the event. The arena was packed with spectators.”
With this latest victory, Mr. Mann said he enjoyed being part of the weekend’s summer games, and hopes to continue playing with the Somerset Tigers in the future.
”I’ve been invited back to the team every year,” he said. “Playing is fun.”
Mr. Hughes said that he enjoys playing and having people watch his team compete.
”I have been doing this for 17 years since I was eight years old,” he said. “I don’t think I will ever stop.”
