An unveiling on the box, featuring a local Special Olympian, was unveiled April 23.
by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
HAMILTON — Local Special Olympians have joined the likes of Michael Jordan, Mia Hamm, Lou Gehrig and Peyton Manning by gracing the cover of special edition Wheaties boxes in advance of 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, which will be held in Mercer County in June.
And if you ask Michael Reed, 26, of Somerset, who appears on the front of the box as well as on the back with his fellow athletes, that’s right where they belong.
”My name is Michael Reed. I’m a Special Olympics athlete and Wheaties celebrity,” he told members of the public and representatives of Special Olympics, ShopRite and General Mills during a press conference Wednesday.
”Being on the Wheaties box is a great honor,” he said to those in attendance in ShopRite on Route 130 in Hamilton Township. “I’m so proud to represent the Special Olympic athletes who train all year round.”
Marc Edenzon, president Special Olympics New Jersey, said to see a stack of the commemorative Wheaties boxes, which will be sold exclusively in ShopRite stores, was not just a wow moment, but a “flipping wow moment.”
Mr. Edenzon thanked both ShopRite and General Mills for their support.
He also spoke of Mr. Reed, saying he’s a humble teammate, who gets more satisfaction from setting his fellow players for success than scoring on his own.
”He’s a team player, he’s a leader, he’s a remarkable individual and he’s got one of the best smiles in the world,” he said.
TJ Nelligan, chairman and CEO of 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, said they have worked “diligently” for the three and a half years not only to put on a “world class event” for the Special Olympians, but to spread the message of the organization.
”Our mission is not only to put on great games, but to get the word (out) about Special Olympics and what Special Olympics can do for families and their sons and daughters,” Mr. Nelligan said.
Tom Saker, senior vice president, of Saker ShopRites, Inc., and Christine Magyarits, community relations manager for ShopRite, both spoke about the partnership with Special Olympics.
”We are so, so excited at ShopRite to be a part of this,” Mr. Saker said.
”ShopRite’s no stranger to Special Olympics. We’ve supported the New Jersey games for 27 years now,” Ms. Magyarits.
ShopRite will be providing meals, snacks and floral arrangements throughout the games for athletes and volunteers.
Mr. Saker also thanked the athletes for their continuing inspiration.
”Knowing you have the passion to challenge each and every one of us to do better, not only as an athlete in competition, but being a better human being,” he said.
Following the conference, Mayor Kelly A. Yaede said having a local chain like ShopRite involved with Special Olympics is a “source of a great pride.”
”It’s a shining example of the significant contributions corporate partners can make in the lives of those that they support,” the mayor said.

