Runners, Cheerleaders and Jumpers Lead Pack at Special Olympics

hosted the Somerset Special Olympics Spring Games at Basilone Field Sturday in a day filled with fun, sports and spirit as the community came together to support and empower people with intellectual disabilities. 

The Somerset Special Olympics featured track and field events, as well as a carnival with games of skill and chance.

Track events included short distance races like the 25-meter, 50-meter and 100-meter walk and dash, while longer distance running events were also held. Various wheelchair races were another activity offered to participants, and some of the field events included a softball toss, tennis ball toss and running long jump. 

The carnival boasted a DJ and dance floor where people could show off their moves, while there was an assortment of games like the ring toss, basketball, bean bag toss and water balloon toss in addition to booths with face painting and temporary tattoos.

Hundreds of volunteers from the area were on hand to make sure the festivities ran smoothly, including high school students, assistants for participating athletes, boy scout troops and girl scout troops.

And for many volunteers, it was a great way to give back to the community.

"I go home at the end of the day and I feel good about myself and I feel good about this Bridgewater community," volunteer Susan Mclane said. "I've done it for years and it's just been rewarding. It's a wonderful wonderful day." 

The Special Olympics event is a way to give those in the Somerset County community with intellectual disabilities a sense of purpose and achievement. The winners of each event were awarded medals and ribbons to recognize their athletic abilities.

For many, this was a family affair as parents and children were able to come together to participate in events and spend quality time with each other. At every event, family and friends were cheering for their teammates and friends. 

Peter Longo, of Whitehouse Station, was at the games with his son Ryan, who is a high school student at the Midland School.

"It's just good to be here and spend some time together and cheer him on and participate," Peter Longo said. "I'm glad he's participating. He doesn't often get to do this, that's the best."

Longo said Ryan has worked very hard at the Midland School, and gym classes and the teachers at the school have allowed him to show how much he can do and how happy he is to do it.

"Everybody's cheering each other on, which is nice," Peter Longo said. "It's competitive, but it's not too competitive. There's lot's of sportsmanship."

The Special Olympics event involves people with disabilities from all age groups, ranging from children to adults.

Susan Esposito has been a long time participant in the Special Olympics, and, this year, she participated in the 100-meter walk race and softball throw.

"I like coming here and I've been doing this for 31 years now," she said. "I love it here."