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 Bessie Perlman Achievement Award, named after the founder of Special Olympics New Jersey, recognizes a Special Olympics New Jersey athlete who has demonstrated a dedication to sportsmanship and success in the community. The award was presented by her granddaughter, Doreen Edelman.

“I am once again honored to be with you this evening to present this year’s recipient of the award named after my grandmother, Bessie Perlman, who was a fierce pioneer for individuals with intellectual disabilities. 

Tonight’s recipient has been competing with Special Olympics New Jersey for over 25 years, experiencing great success on the basketball courts, flag football and softball fields, and in the floor hockey rink.  He was very fortunate to represent New Jersey at the World Winter Games in 2009, and USA Games in 2010, 2014, and 2018. His achievements on the field, while impressive, are not the main reason he was chosen to receive this award.   

Andrew Vanderpoel is the embodiment of what Bessie Perlman, the mother of Special Olympics NJ, set out to accomplish almost 60 years ago.  Not only is Andrew a very good athlete, but he is also a good friend, teammate, and mentor to other athletes he competes with and against. Bessie Perlman would be proud of his competitive spirit but even more proud of the man he has become thanks to his participation with Special Olympics.  

It is my pleasure to present the 2024 Bessie Perlman Achievement Award to Andrew Vanderpoel.”

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