TCNJ’s special connection with Special Olympics

For more than two decades, TCNJ has hosted the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games, and in 2014, the College will serve as one of the main competition venues for the 2014 Special Olympics USA National Games.

Words by TCNJ's editorial staff

The College’s ties to the Special Olympics go back a long way. The late Bessie Cutter Perlman ’25 was instrumental in first bringing the Special Olympics to the state in 1969, an accomplishment that earned her the title “Mother of New Jersey Special Olympics.” For more than two decades, TCNJ has hosted the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games, doing so again this past June when approximately 2,500 athletes (including these track and field participants) were on campus to compete. “Not only have our state Summer Games taken place at TCNJ for more than 20 years, but the student body has been involved as volunteers for numerous events throughout the years,” said Marc Edenzon, president of Special Olympics New Jersey. Earlier this year, the state of New Jersey was awarded the 2014 Special Olympics USA National Games, and TCNJ was selected to serve as one of the main competition venues for the event. The games, which will bring more than 3,500 athletes and thousands more volunteers to the area, are scheduled to take place June 13–21, 2014. More information is available at www.2014specialolympics.org.