Dates:
June 14-21, 2014
Sites:
Greater Princeton / Mercer County Area Including:
Athletes:
3,500
Coaches and Delegates:
1,000
Volunteers:
10,000
Spectators & Families:
70,000
School Enrichment Program:
600+ New Jersey School Districts Statewide
Sports:
- Aquatics
- Athletics
- Basketball
- Bocce
- Bowling
- Cycling
- Flag Football
- Volleyball
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Power Lifting
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
Demonstration Sports:
- Baseball
- Triathlon
SOFTBALL & GOLF INVITATIONAL
In advance of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games being held June 14-21, the 2014 USA Games Organizing Committee, in conjunction with Special Olympics North America, will be hosting two invitational events in the sports of Softball and Golf.
From August 23-25, the 2013 Special Olympics North America Softball Invitational will be held in Mercer County Park. Over 360 athletes from across the United States as well as teams from Canada, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Puerto Rico will compete. Softball Invitational Fact Sheet
From October 17-20, over 200 Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners from across the United States and Canada will travel to Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club for the 2013 Special Olympics North America Golf Invitational. Golf Invitational Fact Sheet
Opening Ceremonies 6/15
The festivities kick off with the energy of the Parade of Athletes that leads to the highly anticipated entrance of the Special Olympics flame, carried in by the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, and the lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron.
Olympic Town 6/16-19
The Special Olympics Festival will offer a wide variety of educational, cultural and recreational specialty activities for all athletes and the community.
Healthy Athletes 6/16-19
The Special Olympics Healthy Athlete initiative is dedicated to providing free health screenings and education to Special Olympics athletes.
Young Athlete Festival 6/16-19
The Young Athlete Program was created in consultation with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, to meet the physical and developmental needs of children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 ½ to 7, in the areas of physical activity and play, with emphasis on sports skills development.
Closing Ceremonies/Festival 6/20
The Games will conclude with a celebration of the athlete's achievements throughout the week culminating with a Unified Sports Festival at Mercer County Park.
2014 Special Olympics USA Games Board of Directors
Chairman and CEO
TJ Nelligan, Chairman and CEO - Nelligan Sports Marketing
1st Vice Chairman
Jeffrey O'Hara, Esq., Senior Partner - Clyde & Co. US LLP; Director – USLAW Network
Secretary
Judith L. Roman, President & CEO - AmeriHealth New Jersey
Treasurer
Nick Matarazzo, CEO - Jumpstart Automotive Group
Members
Wayne Canastra, Principal - Affiliated Management
Loretta Claiborne, Member, Board of Directors
Bobby Fredericks, Special Olympics Athlete
Elisabeth W. Gehringer, Realogy Corporation Chief Compliance & Ethics Officer and Realogy Franchise Group General Counsel
Grace Hanlon, Executive Director - New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism
Nevins McCann, Connell Foley LLP
Scott G. McLester, EVP, General Counsel Corporate Secretary & Chief Compliance Officer - Wyndham Worldwide
Javier Parraga, CEO, Zippy Shell Mobile Self-Storage & President, Intero International
Kristen Ritter, VP Internal Communications - NewsCorporation
Donald Slaght, Chairman, Special Olympics New Jersey Board of Directors & Principal, The Hollston Group
Roger Yaffe, Executive Director - USLAW Network, Inc.
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About Our Logo
The 2014 Special Olympics Games conducted a contest to create a theme for the design of the logo for the 2014 USA Games. The winning design was submitted by Brent P. Anderson, a New Jersey athlete from Waldwick, NJ. Brent’s design focused on the adoption of a red, white and blue national theme, promoting national pride. Brent has been a Special Olympics Athlete for more than fifteen years, participating in basketball, softball, floor hockey and volleyball. The logo that was created for the Games was conceptualized by Meredith Schwinder with inspiration from Brent’s entry.
The 2014 USA Games logo:
- Uses the colors: red, white, and blue and promotes “national pride”
- Represents the concept of “games of unity”
- Incorporates a visual representation of two figures holding a Special Olympics Torch
- Incorporates the Special Olympics logo
- Keeps consistent with the Special Olympics brand
- Fits the tone: warm, energetic, athletic, sense of motion, sense of unity
The Loretta Claiborne Story
Loretta Claiborne was the middle of seven children in a poor, single-parent family. Born partially blind and intellectually challenged, she was unable to walk or talk until age 4. Eventually, though, she began to run. And before she knew it, she had crossed the finish line of 26 marathons, twice placing among the top 100 women in the Boston Marathon. She's carried the torch in the International Special Olympics, has won medals in dozens of its events, and also holds the current women's record in her age group for the 5000 meters at 17 minutes.
Today, Claiborne is a celebrated athlete who was honored in 1996 with ESPN's ESPY Arthur Ashe Award for Courage. Her life is recounted in Walt Disney Productions The Loretta Claiborne Story (originally broadcast on ABC-TV and now on videocassette) and in the biography (In Her Stride) published by WorldScapes.
"I figured if my story could change a person's mind about another person, or especially a child's mind about another child, then it was the right thing to do," Claiborne says. Now in her fifties, the athlete recalls a time when children taunted her for being different and how the taunting turned her into an angry young woman who was expelled from high school and fired from a job. Although she loved to run and used her speed and strength to protect herself in fights against cruel classmates, she credits the Special Olympics with helping her realize that her tremendous athletic talent could be used to do good.
"If it weren't for sports, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I was very angry before and sports was the arena that turned that around for me," Claiborne says. "I got support from family, community and God -- he is the strength of all and can make anything possible."
Running is not the only part of Claiborne's life. She holds a black belt in karate, communicates in four languages, including sign language, and holds honorary doctorate degrees from Quinnipiac College and Villanova University, making her the first person with an intellectual disability known to receive such honors, according to the Special Olympics organization.
However, Claiborne says the most rewarding part of her life has been her involvement with the Special Olympics, and she wants to continue helping people with intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities succeed. She advises them, "Find an opportunity and seize it. Be the best you can be, and never let anyone doubt you."
Loretta currently serves on the 2014 USA Games Board of Directors. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Incorporated and is the first athlete to serve on the Executive Committee. Loretta is a past member of the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Pennsylvania.
What are Loretta’s dreams for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games? “To give athletes, throughout this country, the best sports experience of their lives, so they can compete for their home state and showcase their talents to the rest of the country.”
A Grateful Mom's Story
Kelli Tobin is a proud mom and with good reason: her 2 1/2 year old son Colin is blossoming because of the Young Athletes Program and already has his sights set on 2014. Meet Colin and hear one mom's story of how Special Olympics has changed her family's life.
When Colin was first born, we had no idea how much our lives were going to change. To be quite honest, when we were told he had Down Syndrome, we thought all of the things we had hoped for were not going to happen because of his diagnosis. Our experience with those with disabilities was limited and we were just so uncertain about what our future would hold.
Shortly after Colin was born, a friend of ours created a team that we named CAT Crew in honor of Colin to participate in our first ever Special Olympics New Jersey Polar Bear Plunge. Through our involvement in the plunge, we were introduced to Special Olympics and began to learn what it had to offer to our family.
Chris and I come from sports-minded families with careers in athletics and had always known that we would introduce our children to sports in some way. When we met Marc Edenzon and his wife after that first Polar Bear Plunge on our tour of the SONJ Sports Complex, they told us about the Young Athlete Program and what we had to look forward to when Colin was a little bit older.
This past fall when Colin was about 2.5 years old, he made his debut in the Young Athlete Program at the Special Olympics New Jersey Fall Festival. Colin was not quite walking yet, but as he continued to work harder, and we participated more in the YAP on Saturday mornings, we saw his skills blossoming to where he is now.
We have only just begun to see the potential in Colin to develop his skills in all areas because of Special Olympics and the Young Athlete Program. We are grateful to the staff, volunteers, and most especially, companies like Toys"R"Us who have just donated $1 million from the Toys "R" Us Children’s Fund. We are excited Toys "R" Us will be the Presenting Sponsor of the Young Athletes™ Festival at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, which will provide those opportunities we know will improve upon Colin’s cognitive and gross motor skills.
Colin will be one small piece of a larger puzzle at the 2014 USA Games Young Athletes™ Festival. He will be participating in activities with children from around the country as they demonstrate one of the goals of Special Olympics: full inclusion in sports activities.
What a wonderful thing Toys "R" Us…thank you for showing Colin what he is capable of by your generous sponsorship. Words cannot express how excited we are.
Our lives have certainly changed, but not in the way we initially thought. It has been filled with love, hope and fierce determination. Watch out world for the Young Athletes…they are going to be competing on a national stage because of Special Olympics and Toys "R" Us at the 2014 USA Games.
“In 2014 New Jersey Will Reveal America’s Champions” +
"In 2014 New Jersey Will Reveal America’s Champions"
The attendees at the 2012 Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games got a first glimpse at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games logo and merchandise. Over 500 fans signed up to receive information, while hundreds showed interest in volunteering or supporting the National event taking place in the Garden State.
T-Shirts, magnets and wristbands all displayed the Games Logo and were a hit among fans.
The Games tent traveled to Trump National Golf Club the next day to showcase the Games at the Nelligan Sports Marketing Golf Outing (link to pictures) which raised funds for the USA Games. Look for the tent at future Special Olympics events and be sure to stop by for the latest news about the Games.
Athletes Take Talents to Princeton University +
Athletes Take Talents to Princeton University
The 2014 Special Olympics USA Games are pleased to announce that Princeton University will be hosting the Aquatics and Athletics athletes. Aquatics athletes will dive into DeNunzio Pool, in a state-of-the-art aquatics center, host to a number of NCAA championship contests. Just outside the doors of DeNunzio Pool, cheers will be heard from Weaver Stadium, where Athletics athletes will compete in a variety of track and field events.

Constructed in 1990, DeNunzio Pool’s design and technology makes it one of the fastest pools in the nation. The pool includes two moveable bulks heads which allow for various course configurations for swimming and water polo. The facility features a fully automatic Colorado timing system and includes complete facilities for diving. DeNunzio Pool has played host to a number of championship events, the most recent being the NCAA Division I men’s water polo championships in 2009.
Don Paige, who formerly held the world record in the half mile run, is responsible for the innovative design of Princeton University’s Weaver Stadium. The stadium boasts a track, which is eight lanes across and made of durable brick red full-depth polyurethane, which is the safest, fastest and most comfortable surface available, meeting the highest standards of track and field.

Complementing the University’s exceptional facilities is the town of Princeton, which offers a friendly atmosphere with plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment possibilities.
2014 Games Announces Hess as Presenting Sponsor of the Schools Enrichment Program +
2014 Games Announces Hess as Presenting Sponsor of the Schools Enrichment Program

HESS Corporation has joined our team as Presenting Sponsor of the Schools Enrichment Program, which will give students throughout New Jersey and the country the opportunity to learn about the Games, Special Olympics and how to create climates of inclusion and understanding in their schools and classrooms for their peers. HESS is also a Founding Partner for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games.
Bobby Fredericks named 2014 USA Games Newest Board of Directors Member +
Bobby Fredericks named 2014 USA Games Newest Board of Directors Member
My name is Robert Fredericks, but my friends call me “Bobby”. Recently, I was voted on to the Board of Directors of the 2014 USA Games as an athlete representative. Being a 2014 USA Games Board Member is going to be a learning experience for me, since I will get to see the hard work that goes into planning and organizing an event of this magnitude from the inside and not just as an athlete in a competition.
The Board of Directors, Games Organizing Committee (GOC), and Special Olympics New Jersey will work together just like the way a sports team plays together during a game. Everyone involved has different skills that will contribute to the success of the Games. I hope that my experiences will provide insights from an athlete’s point of view. Special Olympics has changed my life so much that I see this as my chance to give back and I am looking forward to working hard and contributing in any way that I can to help make the GOC’s vision of the most memorable USA Games ever, become a reality. It is going to be an awesome event for all the athletes, coaches, volunteers and families. It is truly an honor for me to represent the athletes of Special Olympics and it is going to be both challenging and exciting.
As one of the 2014 USA Games athlete ambassadors, I will have the opportunity to speak throughout the state to share the experiences of my fellow athletes. Our goal is to raise awareness and support for the 2014 USA Games coming to New Jersey.
For me, having the games in NJ means that athletes from across the USA who are selected to attend will get the opportunity to have the same awesome experiences I had competing at the last national games in 2010. It will be a chance not only to compete at a national level, but to make new friends with athletes from other states.
Hosting the games is going to be very exciting for all of New Jersey. We will get to share our home, our venues, and our volunteers with athletes, coaches, and families from all over the United States.
BOBBY’S SPECIAL OLYMPICS HIGHLIGHTS & PERSONAL ACTIVITIES
- Started with Track & Field in 1986
- Current sports- Track & Field, Floor Hockey, Basketball and Volleyball (soon to be replaced by Soccer)
- 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games- Team NJ Track & Field
- Member SONJ Athlete Congress
- Global Messenger
- Full-Time volunteer as assistant counselor at Summer Day Camp for children with special needs (Camp Wishes, Wayne PAL, Wayne, NJ)
- Hobbies & Interests – collecting and operating model trains with my Dad, reading and researching how real railroads operated, railfanning (watching and taking pictures/video of real trains)
- Athlete Input Council- SOI
- Guantanamo Bay, Cuba- Torch Run
- Participating in local 5k Runs
- 2011 Philadelphia Half-Marathon
- Lincoln Tunnel Challenge - since 2005
- Jersey Shore Relay Marathon
- Interested in coaching Special Olympics someday
Ann Marie Lammerding will serve as 2014 Games Ambassador +
Ann Marie Lammerding will serve as 2014 Games Ambassador
Ann Marie Lammerding has competed in Special Olympics for over 25 years. Her storied career with the organization includes participation in two World Summer Games and one World Winter Games competition. In 1999, she was part of Team USA Soccer and in 2003, she competed in rhythmic gymnastics in Dublin, Ireland. No stranger to winter sports, Ann Marie competed in cross country skiing in Idaho at the 2009 World Winter Games.
Today, Ann Marie competes in cross country skiing, aquatics, bowling and golf. She is a member of the Athlete Congress and represents Special Olympics at speaking engagements across New Jersey as a Sargent Shriver Global Messenger.
Her on and off the field experience with the organization has prepared her well for her role as a 2014 Special Olympics USA Games Ambassador. “Being an Ambassador to the Games means the world to me,” states Ann Marie, “I want to get out there and talk about the Games, so I can help get volunteers to sell souvenirs and get companies to donate money, so our coaches have great facilities in New Jersey to coach me and other athletes.” She also adds, “I can’t wait for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, because I love meeting new friends and trading pins with athletes from all over the country.”
Ann Marie has worked for the Special Olympics New Jersey office for over 10 years as an office assistant and can frequently be heard greeting callers over the phone.
The 2014 Special Olympics USA Games and The College of New Jersey are a SHORE Thing! +
The 2014 Special Olympics USA Games and The College of New Jersey are a SHORE Thing!
The Special Olympics USA Games is pleased to announce that The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) will be teaming up with the Games to provide housing to the athletes while also hosting Olympic Town, The Healthy Athletes Program, Powerlifting, Bocce and Basketball venues.
When the national athletes of the 2014 USA Games arrive on campus, bocce athletes will take the field at Lion’s Stadium, the home of TCNJ Lions Football, while inside one of the original buildings on campus, powerlifters will compete on Kendall Hall’s impressive performance theater stage. Buzzer beaters and chants of “d-fence” will take place on the court of TCNJ’s Packer Hall, where basketball talents are showcased.
Olympic Town will be created to resemble a typical New Jersey boardwalk. Athletes will test their luck at skee-ball and other games of chance & skill, feel the thrill of amusement rides, and enjoy the taste of funnel cakes & other boardwalk fare.
Earning national recognition for both academics and athletics, TCNJ is one of the finest establishments in NJ, which also has an outstanding history of support for the Special Olympics, having hosted the Special Olympics New Jersey State Summer Games competition since 1990. Founded in 1855, TCNJ was the first teacher training school in NJ and only the ninth in the country. Today, TCNJ has a wealth of degree programs offered through its seven schools–the Arts and Communication; Business; Humanities & Social Sciences; Education; Science; Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science; and Engineering.
Sports Venues are Locked
All sport venues have been secured for the 2014 USA Games. We are pleased and excited to announce the following venues and their respective sports:
PSE&G Airs 2014 USA Games PSA +
PSE&G Airs 2014 USA Games PSA
PSE&G recently created a PSA promoting the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games and it has already begun airing throughout New Jersey. PSE&G is a Founding Partner of the 2014 USA Games and the Presenting Sponsor of the Games' Youth Leadership Initiative, which will challenge high school students to develop strategies to bring together students with & without intellectual disabilities. Activities, which will launch for the 2013-2014 academic calendar in schools throughout New Jersey, will challenge students to become leaders who create cultures of acceptance in their schools and communities.
PSE&G will also sponsor the Games’ National Youth Leadership Summit, which will bring youth nationwide to New Jersey for a week of activities on how to become advocates for each other. These efforts are designed to lead to greater acceptance of Special Olympics athletes in the classroom.
In The News
- ShopRite signs on as founding partner for 2014 Special Olympics USA Games
— NBC40.net - ShopRite named official supermarket of the 2014 Special Olympics USA National Games
— NJ.com - Special Olympics USA Games may add TV deal to surging list of sponsorships
— New York Business Journal - WWE joins 2014 Special Olympics national games in N.J. as founding partner
— NJ.com
PDF Downloads
- Corporate Partnership Opportunities PDF (389 Kb)
- Special Olympics New Jersey Backgrounder(60 Kb)
- Terminology Guide(84 Kb)
- Tim Shriver Biography(142 Kb)
Photos Via Flickr
- 2014 Special Olympics USA Games Press Conference
- 2010 National Games - New Jersey Athletes
- 2010 Nationals in Nebraska
Videos
- Sports teach us Video(178 Mb .mov)
- Sports teach us Video(135 Mb .wmv)
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PSE&G NAMED AS A FOUNDING PARTNER OF 2014 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES WITH $1 MILLION PLEDGE
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WWE® BECOMES A FOUNDING PARTNER FOR 2014 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES
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Shoprite Signs on as a Founding Partner for 2014 Special Olympics USA Games
Staff
TJ Nelligan, Chairman & CEO
Lillian Narvaez, Chief Operation Officer
LN@2014SpecialOlympics.orgChristina Baldini, Director of Special Events
CMB@2014SpecialOlympics.orgJesus Cabrera, Director of Volunteers
JC2@2014SpecialOlympics.orgSteven Carnovale, Director of Support Services
SC@2014SpecialOlympics.orgJeremy Ciotola, Account Executive, $20,014 for 2014, $2014 for 2014
JPC@2014SpecialOlympics.orgBeth Conover, Sponsor Relations Manager
BAC@2014SpecialOlympics.orgAshlee Cortes, Administrative Assistant
AMC@2014SpecialOlympics.orgRachel Gary, Director of Communications
RDG@2014SpecialOlympics.orgMichael Grossman, Director of Delegation Services
MJG@2014SpecialOlympics.orgAndrew Johnson, Logistics Director
AEJ@2014SpecialOlympics.orgBJ Mealy, Director of Sports Operations
WSM@2014SpecialOlympics.orgKristine Staples, Director of Corporate Partnerships
KS@2014SpecialOlympics.orgThomas Varga, Senior Vice President-Sponsorships
TJV@2014SpecialOlympics.org2014 Special Olympics USA Games Partners
SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES
Whether you are looking to sponsor a sports venue, a special event, or any element of the Games, the partnership opportunities are endless.
Corporate Partnership Levels:
Founding Partners – $1,000,000
Gold Partners – $500,000
Silver Partners – $250,000
Bronze Partners – $100,000
$20,014 Club
$2014 for 2014 CampaignPartnership recognition is commensurate with level of support.
For more info about Partnership Opportunities, please contact:
Beth Conover
Sponsor Relations Manager
bac@2014specialolympics.org
609.482.2292 ext 427Corporate Partnership Opportunities PDF
Founding Partners
SPECIAL OLYMPICS 2013 NORTH AMERICA SOFTBALL INVITATIONAL
Presented by Moose International: The Family Fraternity
DATES: August 22-26, 2013
Competition Venue:
Mercer County Park, West Windsor, NJ
Participants:
24 teams (12 Traditional, 12 Unified)
360 athletes
96 coachesOverview:
Special Olympics athletes from across the United States as well as teams from Canada, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Puerto Rico will travel to Mercer County Park for the 2013 Special Olympics North America Softball Invitational. Over 360 athletes and 96 coaches will make up 12 traditional and 12 Unified softball teams from 18 Special Olympics delegations. Opening Day Ceremonies commence Friday, August 23 with medal rounds concluding on Sunday, August 25.
Schedule of Events:
Friday, August 23 (9:00am) - Opening Day Ceremony
Friday, August 23 (10:00 am - 6:00 pm) - Competition
Saturday, August 24 (9:00 am - 3:30 pm) - Competition
Sunday, August 25 (9:00 am - 12:15 pm) - Competition
Sunday, August 25 (11:00 am - 1:30 pm) - AwardsMercer County Park, West Windsor Township, NJ
Located on over 2,500 acres of land, Mercer County Park is bordered by three separate townships including West Windsor, Hamilton and Lawrence. Year-round programs occur at Mercer County Park utilizing 63 various athletic surfaces, an ice skating center, nature trails, picnic areas, dog parks, a crew course and much more. With the National Softball Association recently awarding Mercer County Park Commission with its “Outstanding Park Award” for the softball fields and facilities, the 2013 North America Softball Invitational will be one to remember. Mercer County Park will also host cycling, golf, softball, soccer, tennis and triathlon during the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games.
The 2013 Special Olympics North America Softball Invitational Tournament is proudly co-hosted by Special Olympics North America and the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games Organizing Committee
Gallery
Dates: October 17-20, 2013
Competition Venue: Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club - Pine & Bay Courses, Galloway, New Jersey
Participants:
200 athletes
50 coaches
200 volunteersOverview:
Special Olympics athletes from across the United States and Canada will travel to Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club for the 2013 Special Olympics North America Golf Invitational. Over 200 athletes and 50 coaches will participate in the Golf Invitational from 22 Special Olympics delegations. Opening Ceremonies commence Thursday, October 17 with awards presented on Sunday, October 20.
Schedule of Events:
Thursday, October 17 (7:00 pm) - Opening Ceremonies
Friday, October 18 (8:00 am - 4:30 pm) - Competition, Pine & Bay Courses
Saturday, October 19 (8:00 am - 4:30 pm) - Competition, Pine & Bay Courses
Sunday, October 20 (8:00 am - 4:30 pm) - Competition, Pine & Bay Courses
Sunday, October 20 (5:00 pm) - AwardsStockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club
Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club, a quintessential seaside resort on the New Jersey shore, is located on over 670 wooded acres along Reed’s Bay in Galloway, NJ. Situated just eight miles from Atlantic City and forty-five minutes from Philadelphia, this elegant, turn-of-the century New Jersey resort is easily accesible from several major metopolitan areas, yet provides a peaceful, pristine, retreat-like setting for both business and leisure travelers. This Galloway hotel is southern New Jersey’s only golf and spa resort. Home to the ShopRite LPGA Classic and a full-service Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, Seaview offers 36 holes of championship golf on two world-renowned courses and a full-service menu of spa treatments. Superb dining and a range of fitness and recreational facilities add the the amenities available for everyone to enjoy on property.
The 2013 Special Olympics North America Softball Invitational Tournament is proudly co-hosted by Special Olympics North America and the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games Organizing Committee
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