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Back in 1968, Bayonne's Recreation Program went to Soldier's Field, Chicago, for a weekend of sporting activities. The participants did both Track & Field and Swimming Events. This two-day event later became the Special Olympics.
Al Slootsky, Director of the Bayonne Recreation Team at the time and physically challenged himself in a wheelchair, was very impressed with what took place. Al shared this positive experience with his friend, Anthony Infante, who was the Physical Education teacher at P.S. 31, Jersey City's self-contained Special Education School. Interested, Anthony started a team in his school.
With the alliance of both teams, Special Olympics began in Hudson County, the first county in New Jersey to participate with Eunice Shriver's Organization. Through the years new teams in various cities joined the program. Athletes train in Alpine Skiing, Track & Field, Bowling, Swimming, Team Basketball and Team Volleyball. Athletes compete in events beginning with the Area (Local) Level, through the Sectional (Regional) Level, to the Chapter (State) Level. Area 1 is proud of all its athletes, particularly those who were chosen to represent NJ at World International Games in Winter and Summer Sports. | | |
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| The Bayonne Recreation Spikers Special Olympics Volleyball Team has been in existence since the Fall of 1995. Each & every year since the team's inception, they have qualified for & competed in the SONJ Fall Sports Festival (@ the Volleyball venue) & have always medaled @ the tournament! The team, so far, has received: 9 Gold, 2 Silver & 1 Bronze Medals @ the SONJ State Fall Sports Festival & in 2007 @ the SONJ Annual Award's Dinner, the athletes of the 2007 Bayonne Recreation Spikers S O Volleyball Team received the "Outstanding Fall Sports Athletes" Award for their unprecedented "3 ~ peat" after they won their 3rd straight Championship/Gold Medal (in division 1) as the SONJ State Volleyball Champions. To my knowledge, it is the 1st time that a team has been awarded this prestigious award!) It is the 1st time that any SO Volleyball Team has won 3 straight championships (especially in division #1). The Bayonne Recreation Spikers Special Olympics Volleyball Team 2007 roster included the following athletes: Mohamed Alateek, Nicole Bawiec, Lamar Connell, Thomas Czachowski, Ian Hudacko, Derrick Johnson, Violet Malcolm, Reynaldo Rivera & Scott Sigelkow. Nicole, Derrick, Reynaldo & Scott were all members of the Spikers thru their 3-year tournament run as SONJ State Volleyball Champions ~ The Spikers were coached by John Valdora & Denise Bawiec who were both very proud of their team's accomplishments, during their 3 ~ year run as SONJ State Volleyball Champions. | | |
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Volunteering is a wonderful experience. It is GREAT for the soul! When one sees the faces of the Olympians as they compete, volunteering makes it all worthwhile. We need your help volunteering for our upcoming bowling and track meets. We especially need caring individuals to assist us with fundraising.
Please click on the button to the left to volunteer! | | |
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