Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno Attends 2014 Special Olympics USA National Games Throughout Mercer County

On Jun 20, 2014

Joining family members, friends, volunteers and spectators at the 2014 Special Olympics USA National Games, Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno attended multiple events over the past week in Mercer County to show support for the participating athletes and reflect the collective pride shared by New Jerseyans as host of this year’s events.

On Monday, Lt. Governor Guadagno joined fans to watch New Jersey play Wyoming in a soccer match at Mercer County Park, followed by a flag football game featuring athletes from New Jersey and Maryland in Lawrenceville. On Tuesday, the Lt. Governor watched the Special Olympics swim finals in Princeton and presented medals in the 50 meter breaststroke, which was swept by the New Jersey delegation. Last evening, Lt. Governor Guadagno was on hand to see Team New Jersey win the first ever gold medal for baseball in Special Olympics history and tonight will participate in the closing ceremonies at Trenton’s Sun National Bank Center

“It was a tremendous honor to meet so many athletes from New Jersey and around the country, to hear their inspirational stories, and to see them showcase their unique talents and abilities firsthand,” said Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. “We are thrilled New Jersey was chosen as host for this important national event, and hope all of the athletes and their families from across the United States have an exciting and unforgettable experience. For me personally, I will long cherish the memories of this week and carry the moving message of these athletes with me for years to come.”

Being held June 14-21 across the greater Princeton and Mercer County area, the 2014 Special Olympics USA National Games will witness approximately 3,500 athletes, 10,000 volunteers, and tens of thousands of family members and spectators visit New Jersey. Overall, it is estimated that the 2014 Games will bring 80,000 people to the Mercer and Middlesex counties and have a total economic impact that could reach $50 million for the region.

“The USA Games are a national-level event, but truly are New Jersey’s Games and will showcase the very best the Garden State has to offer: the passion and commitment of its volunteers, the generous support of the State of New Jersey and its corporations, and the true athletic talent of those who represent Special Olympics New Jersey,” said Marc Edenzon, President of Special Olympics New Jersey.  “We want to thank Lt. Governor Guadagno for cheering on our athletes this week.”

The initial Special Olympics USA National Games took place in Ames, Iowa in 2006, and was founded with the purpose of providing an outlet for society to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the qualities, talents and capabilities of those with intellectual disabilities. The last USA National Games were held in Lincoln, Nebraska in 2010.

The Special Olympics began in 1968 when Eunice Kennedy Shriver organized the inaugural International Special Olympic Games in Chicago, Illinois.

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