About The Special Olympics New Jersey Sports Complex
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 are 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 our athletes to join volunteers and family members in developing skill and confidence through sport, resulting in acceptance in their local communities.
Programs Include:
Athlete University
An Educational Program for Athletes - Meetings are held four times per year. The 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 and complete all requirements for certification. The program culminates with a recognition ceremony where successful canidates are awarded certificates.
Applications for acceptance into the University are required. Interested candidates should forward a letter of interest to the Athlete University at , no later than July 31.
Coaches Training
Training Opportunities Offered Year Round: Special Olympics New Jersey conducts coaches’ education programs year round in 24 sports. 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 Sports Complex throughout the year.
The S. Michael Higgins Coaches Education Library houses a comprehensive selection of coaching 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.
Family Education
Conferences & Training Opportunities - 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 TD Bank Sibling Library offers siblings of all ages over 200 titles of books addressing the needs of siblings of individuals with intellectual disabilities and other developmental 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 TD Bank Sibling Library are open daily, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings.
Fitness Programs
General Cardio and Weight Training - 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 fitness equipment. Registered athletes are encouraged to train three times per week in a unified environment by including a friend, sibling or parent as a training partner.
Emphasis is placed on proper use of equipment, individualized fitness plans, and learning and understanding training protocol and gym etiquette.
Special Fitness Training Programs are scheduled throughout the year to address weight loss, nutrition, sports-specific training and more.
Camp Shriver
Summer Sports Camp - Special Olympics New Jersey conducts an annual Summer Sports Camp, Camp Shriver, during the months of July and August for registered Special Olympics athletes.
Camp Shriver offers participants opportunities to experience play in a variety of sports in an inclusive environment, while learning about health and fitness activities that will enhance participation. Sports offered include; soccer, golf, bocce, basketball and other team sports.
Super Sports Program
Learn about new sports - Special Olympics athletes have the opportunity, both during the week and on Saturdays, to take part in a Super Sports Program. This activity is designed to provide open participation in a non-pressure sports training environment. This format is used to encourage interest in trying new activities to broaden the interest of the athlete. Season programs are offered.
Tribute Patio
The Special Olympics New Jersey Tribute Patio, presented by the Sean Neiligan Foundation, is a magnificent tribute to the athletes, families, volunteers and sponsors 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 Camp Shriver, luncheons, special events and competitions, while at the same time recognizing the Champions of Special Olympics New Jersey.
Contributions through the purchase of bricks, patio blocks, and more are available in support of the Inspire Greatness Capital Campaign. For more information e-mail .
Young Athlete Program
For children 2 1/2 – 7 years of age - The Special Olympics New Jersey Young Athlete Program is designed to introduce young children to Special Olympics through meaningful play activities.
Children with intellectual disabilities, ages 2 1/2 to 7 years old, 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 TD Bank Young Athlete Activity Area is also available to children for open play, videos and game activities.
Special Olympics New Jersey conducts the Young Athlete Program throughout the year, free of charge. Sessions are 45 minutes in length and are scheduled both during the week and on Saturdays. Registration is required. For more information e-mail .
Sport Leagues
Basketball, Volleyball Weekends and weeknights - Special Olympics New Jersey offers sport leagues and skills training opportunities in the gymnasium at our Eunice Kennedy Shriver Sports & Training Center. The leagues are competitive with an emphasis placed on skill development and training. Team sports include both traditional and unified volleyball and basketball.
While traditional leagues and recreational team sports are offered, unified programs facilitate inclusion of members from the community, providing additional competitive and training opportunities for athletes.
Sports Clubs – Fitness Center
Power Lifting Club - The Power Lifting Club meets once a week and is open to individuals over the age of 16 who are interested in the sport of power lifting. The club meets at the Wawa Exercise and Wellness Center where they work on specific lift techniques while increasing strength and conditioning for the sport of power lifting.
Cardio Club - The Cardio Club meets once a week and is open to athletes who are interested in regular cardio fitness training. The focus of the club is on improving cardio conditioning through the stationary bike advancing to treadmill & elliptical cardio training.
Registration for all programs is in-site at the Special Olympics Sport Complex in Lawrenceville. For more information e-mail .