At its annual Night of Champions, Special Olympics New Jersey honors and celebrates outstanding individuals and groups.
In the year leading up to the big event, award candidates are identified and nominated by their peers. These nominations are reviewed by a committee, and finally the award recipients are revealed. Awards categories include 13 outstanding county athletes, several volunteers, spirit awards, Special Olympics New Jersey Hall of Fame, Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame, and a Lifetime Achievement award.
The Spirit Award recognizes individuals who have advanced the mission of Special Olympics New Jersey through year-round support and innovation. The award was presented by longtime volunteer Tim LaScala.
“Dotty Grieb, otherwise known as Ms. Dotty, has been an integral part of Bankbridge Athletics and Special Olympics New Jersey for the past 23 years. She has held every sporting position at Gloucester County Special Services School District from Parent to Coach to Athletic Coordinator and in between. She has spent hours building teams, developing schedules, contacting parents, and attending practices and games for every sport the district has to offer.
Grieb has cheered on the students, cried with the parents, shouted with the coaches and has given up many nights and weekends to make sure every student has had the opportunity to be part of a team and to learn to play the sports they loved.
Grieb has tirelessly helped every Bankbridge athlete through the ups and downs of winning and losing, always referring to the Special Olympics oath, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Grieb’s shoes are hard to fill, but it is her heart we love the most! Her kindness and caring will forever remain with the athletes, the parents, her coaching staff, and Special Olympics. Grieb has touched all of our lives, one way or another, and we are all better people because of it.“