On Friday, November 22nd, members of the Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) community gathered for the 2019 Awards Dinner. Each year, the annual event recognizes exemplary athletes, coaches, volunteers, supporters, and partners for their passion , commitment, and achievements within the Special Olympics movement. This year, the Awards Dinner was held at the Hilton East Brunswick, and attendance was by invitation only.
Below is a list of award recipients and a description of each award.
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.
Area 1 – Hudson County – Joseph Maccagnano
Area 2 – Passaic County – Katherine Stuffle
Area 3 – Morris, Sussex, & Warren Counties – William Morales
Area 4 – Hunterdon County – Halli Williams
Area 5 – Middlesex & Union Counties – Keith Fisher
Area 6 – Monmouth & Ocean Counties – Daniel Cherkos
Area 7 – Camden, Gloucester, & Salem Counties – Elijah Borgard
Area 8 – Atlantic, Cape May, & Cumberland Counties – Erika Schmid
Area 9 – Essex County – Danielle Graffeo
Area 10 – Somerset County – Ann Ferraro
Area 11 – Mercer County – Delaney O’Connell
Area 12 – Bergen County – William Grundy
Area 13 – Burlington County – Ben Miller
Special Olympics New Jersey Hall of Fame
For an individual with at least 10 years of involvement with Special Olympics movement who has demonstrated a lifetime of commitment and compassion to the athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey.
Richard Gelfond
Karen Bruno
Marc S. Edenzon Lifetime Achievement Award
For an individual with at least 15 years of involvement with the Special Olympics movement who has demonstrated a lifetime of commitment and compassion to the athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey.
Scott Kent – Wawa
Outstanding Local Training Program
For the program that has shown the best example of high-quality sports training for Special olympics New Jersey athletes.
Schafer Sports
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.
Concepcion Family
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 New Jersey events.
Neil Hudes
Outstanding Volunteer Officials
For exemplary voluntary service by an individual sports official at Special Olympics New Jersey state competitions and events.
Swimming Officials
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Bob Estler
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Agathe Martin
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John Thornton
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Tom Verdon
Outstanding Volunteer – State Level
For exemplary voluntary service by an individual to Special Olympics New Jersey at state competitions and events.
April DeVito
Outstanding Volunteer – Area Level
For exemplary voluntary service by an individual to Special Olympics New Jersey at area competitions and events.
Jean Mazalewski
Outstanding Volunteer Group
For exemplary voluntary service by a group to Special Olympics New Jersey.
Manasquan Elks Special Children’s Commitee
Outstanding Unified School
For a school that has demonstrated a superior commitment to 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.”
Voorhees High School
Spirit Award
For individuals who have advanced the mission of Special Olympics New Jersey through year-round support and innovation.
Terry Mikus
Bernadine Olear
Speed Skating Committee – Peter Fitterer
Speed Skating Committee – Glen Hukins
Speed Skating Committee – Fred Schweikert
Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame Award
For an individual who has demonstrated a superior contribution to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey.
Kevin J. Burke, Jr.
Bessie Perlman Achievement Award
For a Special Olympics New Jersey athlete who has demonstrated a dedication to sportsmanship and success in the community.
Adam Eng
S. Michael Higgins Special Olympics Scholarship
For a Special Olympics New Jersey athlete who has demonstrated dedication to sport through a commitment to training.
Michael Lehrer
Congratulations to all of the award winners!
Congratulations to all of our award winners