When more than 2,000 athletes gather at The College of New Jersey this weekend for the 2025 Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games, the Hopewell Valley community will be cheering from every corner — as athletes, volunteers, coaches, and proud family members.
For Cheryl Ann Jayas and Lauren Morgan, whose sons Ronit and Chase compete on the swim team, the weekend is a milestone in each family’s journey — one marked by determination, growth, and belonging.
“This is his first year on the swim team. And he’s done well,” said Cheryl Ann Jayas, referring to her son Ronit, a 17-year-old swimmer who has also competed in bowling, and speed skating in other games. He’s been attending weekly Sunday practices since January.
The Summer Games, which run June 7–9, mark not only Ronit’s first competitive season in swimming but also another important step toward independence.
“Last year was his first time staying in the dorms,” Jayas said. “When he came home, he felt like he’s mature. And he kept telling me for a few days, ‘You know, I did it, right?’”
For Lauren Morgan’s son Chase, it was an interest in fitness and getting in shape that initially led him to Special Olympics.
“He just was like, this is it. You know, I finally found something that I can do,” Morgan said. “And he feels comfortable.”
Like Ronit, Chase has embraced the overnight experience at TCNJ and the excitement of competition. “Staying over in the dorms for Chase is a highlight,” Morgan said. “They also love the medals.”
Both families emphasized the camaraderie, encouragement, and personal growth their children have experienced through the program.
That same sense of community is what keeps Arun Rao, head coach of the Hopewell-area Special Olympics swim team, coming back year after year. Rao’s son Samarth, who has autism, has competed in swimming, bowling, bocce, basketball, and cycling through Special Olympics New Jersey.
“To us, it means a kind, supportive, understanding, and fun community of athletes, parents, coaches, and volunteers who appreciate the abilities in these individuals usually known for their disabilities,” Rao said. “Seeing those smiles and confidence is invaluable.”
In 1968, Eunice Kennedy Shriver helped convene the first international Special Olympics with something that has become the athlete’s oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me brave in the attempt.”
“The athletes competing here have overcome so many challenges and obstacles both internally and externally,” Rao said. “To see how they get past those and compete, and win, smile, jump, and dance is one of the most touching experiences you can have.”
To reach the Summer Games, athletes must qualify through a series of meets beginning in March. The program is inclusive, and it’s serious about competition.
The Hopewell-area swim team held its final practice this past Sunday at the Pennington School pool, where they’ve trained every week since January.
“It’s not swim lessons — it’s about preparing them to compete,” he said. “They adhere to USA Swimming guidelines.”
Hopewell Valley Central High School student Matt Helmrich, a three-sport athlete and rising senior, is one of several local student volunteers. He’s coached Special Olympics swimmers since his freshman year.
“The relationships I’ve developed with these kids — it’s really the same as my friends that I hang out with every day,” Helmrich said. “I consider these kids just as much friends as my football or lacrosse teammates.”
For first-time volunteer Elizabeth Crispino, a former Division I swimmer and librarian at a school in East Windsor, the experience has been both fun and meaningful. Her husband, who coaches the men’s swim team at Princeton University, also volunteers.
“The kids are here and they’re working hard just like any other athlete,” Crispino said. “But they don’t feel the same pressures. So they can really focus on what they enjoy about working hard.”
The Summer Games are the largest event of the year for Special Olympics New Jersey, with more than 2,000 athletes and Unified Partners competing in seven sports: swimming, bocce, softball, track and field, tennis, gymnastics, and powerlifting. Hundreds of coaches and thousands of volunteers, family members, and spectators are expected.
For longtime coach and Hopewell resident Heather Irish Mott, the weekend is an emotional high point of the year.
“I wish ours and the surrounding communities took more interest in it,” Mott said. “Athletes are thrilled to see people cheering for them from the stands.”
Summer Games Schedule Highlights
All events are free and open to the public unless noted.
Main Venue: The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing Township, NJ 08618
Friday, June 7
– Tennis: 9:00 a.m. – TCNJ Tennis Complex
– Bocce: 1:00 p.m. – Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex
– Swimming: 1:00 p.m. – Aquatic Center, TCNJ
– Opening Ceremony: 7:30 p.m. – Lions Stadium
Other Venues:
– Softball: Armstrong Memorial Park, 323 Ewingville Road
– Gymnastics: Schafer Sports Center, 5 Graphics Drive
More details and a full schedule of events are available at sonjsummergames.org.
