In 2015, Grace Stix and her mom Anne Marie went to the Whistle Stop in Waldwick for some ice cream, but thanks to the restaurant’s owner, Tami Moses, they would get a lot more. Moses has been involved with Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) for a long time, and currently is one of the County Coordinators for Bergen County.
On that day ten years ago, Moses introduced herself to Grace, and after having taken her ice cream order, Moses asked her if they were familiar with SONJ. While they had heard of it, the Stixes weren’t aware of what exactly Special Olympics was. Grace had played t-ball in kindergarten, just like her brothers did, and in first and second grades she had played softball in the town rec program. In the third grade play went from coach pitch to player pitch, which Grace didn’t like. Also, her best friend was on another team, and Grace was too shy to get to know the other girls on her own team, so she stopped playing. Thus SONJ sounded like a great idea to them, and the family decided to give it a try and signed up for the Bergen County Wildcats.
“I think that’s why we felt she really found her people when she joined the Wildcats.” Anne Marie says, “They were very inclusive, and it didn’t matter if you got a hit or made a catch, but if you did, everybody cheered, on and off the field.”
“Being part of the Wildcats has opened our eyes to how much SONJ does for people, and we saw how great they are treated.” says Anne Marie Stix. “Just look at the smiles all the time!”. But it’s more than just fun, she continues: “Grace likes to be with and help other athletes. She has become a lot more confident since she joined SONJ, and doesn’t mind getting physical during competition.” Grace agrees with that assessment, adding “even when I play against tall dudes! Playing floor hockey has made me more athletic. And I met my best friend at SONJ, who is our goalie. Floor hockey gives me something to look forward to.”
During the past ten years, Grace Stix has participated in SONJ bowling, softball, and floor hockey, all for the Bergen County Wildcats. She does not compete in bowling any longer, and prefers the camaraderie of teams sports. “I like being part of a team and having fun with my mates. I am competitive and like to run and play offense, and we try to win every game.” Grace’s uncle used to play ice hockey and gave her some tips and tricks, but “some of those moves, like bodychecks, are not appropriate for SONJ floor hockey.”
The Bergen County Wildcats have become a family affair for the Stix family: Grace’s dad, George, is part of the softball team’s coaching staff, and her mom follows with a camera at competitions.
Grace Stix is her own biggest advocate, telling everybody about SONJ, and what it means to her. She even did a presentation on SONJ in middle school! Grace is quite busy with practicing and competing, enjoying time with her best friend and her boyfriend, and working two jobs: one at an office, and the other at the Whistle Stop, where everything started in 2015 with a desire for ice cream.
To make everything completely full circle, she was scooping ice cream on the day we visited her at the restaurant. She first counts out the number of cups for lunch service at the local school, and then diligently scoops vanilla and chocolate ice cream into each cup. She works independently, replaces empty ice cream buckets, and cleans up her workspace after storing the cooling bag in the freezer. On other days she heats up meals and makes sandwiches, and on some days she does the dishes.
One of the most important questions, though, remains somewhat unanswered: When asked what flavor ice cream she ordered 10 years ago, Grace Stix said “I’m not sure, probably mint chocolate chip or vanilla”. Either way: good choice!
Wow, what a wonderful history Grace, going from a shy little girl to a confident young woman. I try to get to as many games as possible even though I live in another state. I love watching the athletes cheer for each other. Special Olympics is a wonderful organization.
What a fabulous success story ! Go Grace!
I have seen Grace grow up into a beautiful, young woman. She has thrived as an athlete in the SONJ. Grace has developed the life skills and confidence needed as a young adult through this organization and from the unyielding support and love from her amazing mother, father and brothers. #stixfamily
Way to go Grace! So proud of my cousin!