2018 Awards Dinner

November 27, 2018November 21, 2019 Category: News Posted by communications

It was a night to remember for the Special Olympics New Jersey community. Each year, the Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) Awards Dinner recognizes exemplary members of the SONJ community. Each winner was nominated by their peers for their passion, commitment and achievements within the Special Olympics movement and beyond. More than 150 nominations were submitted this year and n November 16 at the Hyatt Regency Princeton, the deserving community members were recognized for their distinguished contributions.

Photos from the Awards Dinner

Below is a list of award recipients and the significance of each award.

Ann Marie Lammerding

Barbara Wallace

Special Olympics New Jersey Hall of Fame

For individuals with at least 10 years of involvement with Special Olympics New Jersey who has advanced the Special Olympics movement in one of the categories of sports and training, fundraising, or public awareness.

Marc Edenzon

Lifetime Achievement Award

For an individual with at least 15 years of involvement with Special Olympics New Jersey who has demonstrated a lifetime of commitment and compassion to the athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey.

Friends of Special Athletes

Outstanding Local Training Program

For the best example of a high quality sports training program for Special Olympics athletes.

Weiss Family

Outstanding Volunteer Family

For the family of a Special Olympics athlete that has demonstrated unique and outstanding support of the Special Olympics movement and athletes.

Marla Napurano

Outstanding Volunteer Coach

For an individual coach in any Special Olympics sport who has demonstrated a high degree of technical skill and personal commitment to preparing athletes for participation in Special Olympics events.

Basketball Officials

Outstanding Volunteer Official

For exemplary voluntary service by an individual or group of sports official(s) at state competitions and events.

Bobbie Martin

Outstanding Volunteer – State Level

For exemplary voluntary service by an individual to the Special Olympics program at state competitions and events.

Kim Tackett

Outstanding Volunteer – Area Level

For exemplary voluntary service by an individual to the Special Olympics program at Area competitions and events.

Wakefern Food Corp./Shoprite

Outstanding Volunteer Group

For exemplary voluntary service by a group to the Special Olympics program.

Monroe Township High School

Outstanding Unified School Award

For a school that has demonstrated a superior commitment to inclusion, acceptance, respect and dignity for all by integrating Special Olympics Initiatives into their school programs and culture, and embracing the motto, “Play Unified. Live Unified.”

Outstanding Athlete

For Special Olympics New Jersey athletes – one from each of the 13 Areas – who have shown determination and dedication to training and an increased proficiency in any sport at any competition level.

Garth D. Brown

LETR Recognition Award

For an individual who has demonstrated a superior contribution to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey.

Nicole Bawiec

The Bessie Perlman Achievement Award

For an athlete who has demonstrated a dedication to sportsmanship and success in the community.

Lauren McCormac

The S. Michael Higgins Special Olympics Scholarship

For an athlete who has demonstrated dedication to sport through a commitment to training.

SONJ Honor Guard

CBM of America, Inc.

Chez Renee Studio of Dance

Spirit Award

For individuals who have advanced the mission of Special Olympics programs through year-round support and innovation.