The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Every four years Special Olympics conducts a National Summer Games in the United States that includes athletes from all 52 US Programs. New Jersey is proud to have been selected as host of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, the Games of Welcome and Acceptance.

The 2014 Special Olympics USA Games will showcase athletes competing in 14 official and 2 demonstration sports during the week of June 14 - 21. Competitions will be offered in both Traditional and Unified play, bringing together the community to support and play side-by-side with our athletes, in what expects to be the most inclusive Games in Special Olympics History.

While the Games will highlight competition, special events including Opening and Closing Ceremonies, athlete events and educational programs throughout the week, will create an experience of a lifetime for all athletes, families and volunteers in attendance.....leading to a change in understanding and acceptance of persons with Intellectual Disabilities in communities throughout New Jersey and throughout the United States.

http://www.2014specialolympics.org