Special Olympics New Jersey is an organization that provides year-round sports training and Olympic-type athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities with the goal of giving them ongoing opportunities to develop physical fitness abilities, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community.

Special Olympics New Jersey 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. Currently the agency serves more than 18,000 athletes throughout the state who train and compete in 24 sports throughout the year.

All programs are free of charge to registered athletes including insurance, facilities, equipment, uniforms, housing and meals for events, awards, sports and education. 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 Special Olympics New Jersey Sports Complex in Lawrenceville.

Special Olympics New Jersey utilizes tens of thousands of volunteers annually. Volunteers may choose to give of their time year-round, seasonally or for a single-day event. Volunteer positions range from coaching athletes, managing registration for a program or a local or state event, contributing professional services or assisting in fundraising efforts.

The organization is currently seeking volunteers for the spring season activities including basketball and bowling. Summer sports sectional events take place throughout April leading up to the Summer Games at The College of New Jersey, Ewing, scheduled for June 11-13.

For more information on volunteering with Special Olympics New Jersey, call (609)896-8000 or visit: www.sonj.org