The Special Olympics New Jersey Sports Complex is a one-of-a-kind facility, affording individuals with intellectual disabilities, their families and the community a place to come together to increase the quality and expand the reach of Special Olympics throughout New Jersey.

The Sports Complex is comprised of a variety of Centers playing host to model programs, while at the same time providing direct services to athletes and families from throughout the State. All programs are completely free of charge and designed to be utilized at the Complex by registered participants, as well as replicated in other communities throughout the State.

The philosophy behind the programs conducted at the Sports Complex is one of inclusion, providing equal opportunities for volunteers and family members to join with our athletes in developing skill and confidence through sport, resulting in acceptance in their local communities.

ATHLETE UNIVERSITY
Our Athlete University is a first-of-its-kind program offering registered athletes an opportunity to increase their knowledge about how they can contribute to their own success in sport.

The University includes professional faculty with expertise in the topics of fitness, sports specific training, nutrition, empowerment, leadership, public speaking, coaching, officiating and much more. Athletes are expected to attend all four Saturday sessions scheduled throughout the year, completing all requirements for certification.

COACHES TRAINING
Special Olympics New Jersey conducts coaches’ education year round in 22 sports. Training is offered throughout the state, with many sessions scheduled at the Sports Complex.

Sports specific coach certification is offered to those who attend full day training sessions and complete a practicum. Additionally, Special Olympics General Sessions, The Principles of Coaching Course and the Rutgers SAFETY Course are all scheduled at the complex throughout the year.

The S. Michael Higgins Coaches Education Library houses a comprehensive selection of coach’s education publications and tapes. Onsite use of the library is free.

There is NO registration fee for coaches training courses. Registration is required for all training sessions. Click on the “Locker-room” button for up-to-date schedules of clinics.

FAMILY TRAINING
The Walsh Sports Education and Family Center houses a comprehensive library covering topics on disabilities, legal issues related to individuals with disabilities, sports training, education and more. Additionally, the Commerce Bank Sibling Library offers siblings of all ages over 200 titles of books addressing the needs of siblings of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics New Jersey also conducts sessions and conferences for families covering legal issues, health and wellness topics, sport specific training and other areas of interest as requested by families. There is no cost to attend. The Walsh Center and Commerce Bank Sibling Library are open daily, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings.

FITNESS PROGRAM
Special Olympics New Jersey offers Fitness Training programs in the Wawa Exercise and Wellness Center, which houses some of the most state-of-the-art Life Fitness equipment. Athletes are encouraged to train three times per week in a unified environment by including a friend, sibling or parent as a training partner.

Wawa Excerise and Wellness Center Schedule

HEALTHY ATHLETES/MEDFEST
Special Olympics New Jersey, in partnership with statewide medical organizations and educational institutions, conducts MedFests throughout the year, providing physicals and medical screenings for new and returning athletes.

Over fifty medical professionals and students dedicate an entire day to conduct evaluations, offering our athletes free medical examinations as well as expert medical consultation. The screenings are fun and educational for the athletes and, at the same time, provide future and practicing doctors opportunities to better understand the needs of persons with intellectual disabilities.

The Sports Expo provides an added dimension to the Med Fest day, providing new athletes with the opportunity to learn about sports offered by Special Olympics. Registration is required for either the Spring or Fall MedFest.

Send a letter of interest to for more information.

CAMP SHRIVER
Special Olympics New Jersey conducts an annual Summer Sports Camp during the months of July and August for registered Special Olympics athletes.

The Summer Camp offers participants opportunities to experience play in a variety of sports, while learning about health and fitness activities that will enhance participation. Sports offerings include soccer, golf, bocce, volleyball and basketball. Offsite swimming activities are also included in the program schedule.

Camp is conducted as a half day program with single and/or multiple week participation. There is no cost to attend the camp, but registration is required.
 

Please send letter of interest to on or before May 15 for information about the application process.

UNIFIED SPORTS PROGRAM
Special Olympics athletes have the opportunity, both during the week and on
Saturdays, to take part in a Unified Program. These activities are designed to provide open participation in a variety of sports.

In a non-pressure sports training environment, athletes have the opportunity to experiment with sports, participating with training partners and other athletes to learn about new sports, as well as try new events within a sport. The open training environment is used to encourage interest in trying new activities to broaden the interest of the athlete.


TRIBUTE PATIO PRESENTED BY THE SEAN NELLIGAN FOUNDATION
The Special Olympics Tribute Patio is a magnificent tribute to the athletes, families, volunteers and sponsors in New Jersey who have contributed to the success of Special Olympics New Jersey. The support of the Law Enforcement community is recognized with the Law Enforcement Tribute Walk.

The patio plays host to Summer Sports Camp, luncheons, special events and competitions, while at the same time recognizing the Champions of Special Olympics New Jersey.

Dedication bricks, patio blocks, gardens and more are available in support of the Inspire Greatness Capital Campaign.


YOUNG ATHLETE PROGRAM
The Special Olympics New Jersey Young Athlete Program is designed to introduce young children to Special Olympics through meaningful play activities.

Beginning at age 2 ˝, children with intellectual disabilities and their families are invited to join Special Olympics to begin preparation for future participation in sport within Special Olympics and their local communities. The program includes a simple guide and equipment that can be used by parents, siblings and pre-school teachers at home or in a school or agency environment. Activities include catching and throwing, striking, balancing, kicking, agility development and more.

The Commerce Bank Young Athlete Activity Area is also available to children for open play, videos and game activities.

Click here for more information on the Young Athlete Program.

HOLD YOUR EVENT OR MEETING AT THE COMPLEX
The SONJ Sports Complex is available for morning and afternoon meetings. Breakfast and/or lunch can be provided. Please call SONJ at (609)896-8000 for more information or e-mail us at . Click here to download brochure.