On Friday, November 21, the Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) community gathered at the Hyatt Regency Princeton for the annual Night of Champions awards dinner. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the evening became a heartfelt celebration of gratitude – honoring athletes, coaches, and volunteers whose passion and dedication inspire us all. Each nomination was more than recognition; it was a way of saying thank you for the joy, perseverance, and commitment these champions bring to the Special Olympics movement and beyond. Surrounded by friends and family, the night reminded us how fortunate we are to share in a community built on appreciation, resilience, and the spirit of giving thanks.
Thank you to our loyal coaches, volunteers, sponsors, law enforcement, and supporters for your ongoing dedication and passion to support our athletes and Unified partners. You truly are the magic behind every practice, event, competition, and initiative we had this year! We honored and recognized many dedicated individuals for their commitment and devotion to our athletes and program in New Jersey. Congratulations to all the award winners – you are true champions, and we are deeply grateful for you.
William S. Rumbolo (Chief Robert Belfiore Unsung Hero Award) 
Kevin Lyons (Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame Award) 
Rylee Howerton (Bessie Perlman Achievement Award) 
Gerry Jenkins (S. Michael Higgins Special Olympics Scholarship Award) 
Kassidy Honaker (Outstanding Athlete; Atlantic, Cape May, & Cumberland) 
Joseph Choe (Outstanding Athlete; Bergen) 
John “JD” Rawlins (Outstanding Athlete; Burlington) 
Tom Sandfort (Outstanding Athlete; Camden, Gloucester, & Salem) 
Nathaniel Rivera (Outstanding Athlete; Essex) 
Mariana Dominguez (Outstanding Athlete; Hudson) 
Kyle Leh (Outstanding Athlete; Hunterdon & Warren) 
Ashlee Bruce (Outstanding Athlete; Mercer) 
Nicholas Panzarino (Outstanding Athlete; Middlesex & Union) 
Kym VieBrock (Outstanding Athlete; Monmouth & Ocean) 
Wayne George (Outstanding Athlete; Morris & Sussex) 
Desi Cleary (Outstanding Athlete; Passaic) 
Jason Grasso (Outstanding Athlete; Somerset) 
Essex County Parks & Recreation Department (Spirit Award) 
Mercer Keglers (Outstanding Local Training Program) 
Marcus Family (Outstanding Volunteer Family) 
Steve Fazio (Outstanding Volunteer Coach) 
Adam Rowlands (Outstanding Volunteer Official) 
Elizabeth Kennelly (Spirit Award) 
Rachel Johnson (Outstanding Volunteer – State Level) 
Chris Ward (Outstanding Volunteer – County Level) 
Bloomberg L.P. (Outstanding Volunteer Group) 
Montgomery High School (Outstanding Unified School Award) 
Thomas Harrington (Special Olympics New Jersey Hall of Fame) 
Robert MacFarlane (Marc S. Edenzon Lifetime Achievement Award)
Do you know someone who has made a lasting impression or significant contribution to the mission of Special Olympics? Nominate them for an SONJ award today!