Family Programs
The mission of Special Olympics New Jersey 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.
A family with a member who has an intellectual disability is just like any other family. The only difference is that at times they may feel confused and isolated. They may feel confused about the uncertainty of the future and the distinctive challenges presented to them and their loved one. They may feel isolated from other families who may be on a similar life journey and disconnected to the valuable community resources available to them and their family.
The Special Olympics New Jersey Family Program provides a safe non-judgmental environment; a community of families who focus on the values of acceptance, awareness, and respect. This unique program provides the resources, the hope, and the opportunity to become advocates – empowering families to become the VALUED VOICE of our movement.
Special Olympics New Jersey Family Program connects Special Olympics families with new families and provides support and information in a critical time of need in the following ways:
- Provides educational, sports, and training workshops
- Creates opportunities for family members to become advocates for the Special Olympics movement
- Brings families together to share ideas, issues, and common interests
- Encourages new families to join Special Olympics
- Builds strong communities