The 2024 Special Olympics New Jersey Winter Games began on January 6, 2024 with floor hockey at Stockton University, and volleyball in Galloway, NJ. A total of 257 athletes made up 23 teams and competed for gold for the two days! The event also could not have been done without the amazing effort from over 175 volunteers over several days.
Stockton University featured two floor hockey rinks and hosted 12 teams along with 41 coaches. There was also a Young Athletes session as well as Healthy Athletes events including performance stations, concussion testing, and a MedFest.
Volleyball was played on two courts in the gymnasium of Galloway Township Middle School, where 103 athletes on 11 teams, along with 27 coaches, showcased their skill.
Winter Games continued in north Jersey on February 5-6, 2024 where over 400 athletes and Unified partners participated in alpine skiing and snowboarding at Mountain Creek, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at the National Weather Activity Center, and on February 6, Skylands Ice World hosted speed skating.
February 5 also featured the Special Olympics New Jersey Winter Games Opening Ceremony at Mountain Creek where athletes made introductions for each delegation, a precession down the hill from the ski patrol which preceded an athlete bringing down the torch, and the handoff to another athlete to light the cauldron. All this was followed by fireworks and of course, a dance party!
The 2024 Winter Games wrapped up with figure skating on February 11, 2024 in West Orange, NJ.
Special thanks to all of the coaches, volunteers, family, and friends who helped make this event yet another great success! We can’t wait for the 2025 Winter Games!
Learn more about Winter Sports
Enjoy the multiple videos and articles that covered the 2024 Special Olympics New Jersey Winter Games: