HAMILTON: Hometown Special Olympics athletes recognized

   The 2014 Special Olympics USA Games may have concluded, but Hamilton’s pride for its hometown Special Olympic athletes continues.
   Mayor Kelly Yaede honored the Hamiltonians who participated in the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games with a special, private ceremony for the athletes and coaches and their immediate families, which took place at the Hamilton Township Senior Center July 23.
   In total, Hamilton was represented by 15 athletes, one partner and two coaches at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games. The honorees were:
   • Kristopher Boros – Special Olympic Athlete in Baseball.
   • Michael Conte – Special Olympic Athlete in Baseball.
   • Roberto Hernandez – Special Olympic Athlete in the Triathlon.
   • Laura Kasper – Special Olympic Athlete in Tennis.
   • Ann Marie Lammerding – Special Olympic Athlete in Aquatics.
   • Salvatore Masterpole – Special Olympic Athlete in Aquatics.
   • Mary Lee Morgante – Special Olympic Athlete in Aquatics.
   • Richard Opsuth – Special Olympic Athlete in Softball.
   • Kelly O’Sullivan – Special Olympic Athlete in Cycling.
   • Richard Pingitor – Special Olympic Athlete in Baseball.
   • Sean Reese – Special Olympic Athlete in Unified Softball.
   • Patrick Rhoads – Special Olympic Athlete in Soccer.
   • John Rosati – Special Olympic Athlete in Power Lifting.
   • Tommy Smith – Special Olympic Athlete in Unified Softball.
   • Aimee Tiscione – Special Olympic Athlete in the Triathlon.
   • Benjamin Kraml – Special Olympic Partner in Unified Softball.
   • Michele Horner – Special Olympic Coach in Tennis.
   • James Rossi – Special Olympic Coach in Unified Softball.
   The honorees and their families were treated to pizza and ice cream; and then each Special Olympic athlete and coach received special proclamations from the mayor and council, a special citation which featured a picture of each honoree, an official Hamilton Township pin, as well as individual gift bags including gift cards, coupons, certificates for the Hamilton Golf Center, two T-shirts and a water bottle.
   Thanks to the generosity of Wit or Witout (which donated a portion of the pizzas, as well as gift cards and shirts), Wawa (which donated several free coupons to their stores) and Kraml Design, whose owner is the father of one the Hamilton Special Olympic participants (which provided a reduced cost for the water bottles that each honoree received), the event was a tremendous success.
   ”We want every one of you — our hometown Special Olympic athletes, partners and coaches — to know that we are very proud of your hard work, dedication and perseverance, both on and off the fields of competition,” said Mayor Yaede in her remarks to the honorees. “And, regardless of any results, you are our special champions, who hold a special place in the hearts of every Hamiltonian.”
   The Mercer County region hosted several competitions as part of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games from Jun 14 to 21. Overall, the games were estimated to host 3,500 athletes from around the country, who competed in 16 sports, before tens of thousands of fans and volunteers.