Lawrence resident Nicole Lusardi will compete in cycling. When the
2014 Special Olympics USA Games
kick off June 14, six Lawrence residents—five athletes and one unified team partner—will help represent Team New Jersey. Nearly 3,500 total athletes from across the U.S. are set to compete in 16 Olympic-style events. So, who are these local competitors? The following short biographies give us a hint.
Sport: Athletics Age: 20 Local Training Program: Area 11 Mercer Roadrunners Years Involved: 11 Other Sports I Play: Basketball, Equestrian, Floor Hockey, Powerlifting, Soccer Fun Facts About Me: I am a sports nut! I go to high school and college games, cheer on the Trenton Thunder and New York Yankees and play unified sports. I was a manager for LHS football, and am training as manager for Rider University men’s basketball. I was a contestant for “Mr. LHS.” My family says I remind them of Buddy from the movie “Elf.”
Sport: Golf Role: Unified golf partner Age: 77 Local Training Program: Area 06 Freehold Fairwayers
Sport: Baseball Age: 20 Local Training Program: Area 11 Years Involved: 6 Other Sports I Play: Floor Hockey, Soccer, Softball Fun Facts About Me: I am a Mets fan…unfortunately! I’m quite light-hearted and enjoy being ridiculously comical.
Sport: Cycling Age: 19 Local Training Program: Area 11 MCSSSD Years Involved: 3 Other Sports I Play: Athletics Fun Facts About Me: I like video games and music—especially Michael Jackson!
Sport: Baseball Age: 22 Local Training Program: Area 11 Arc Mercer Years Involved: 10 Other Sports I Play: Basketball, Flag Football, Floor Hockey, Softball Fun Facts About Me: I am an Eagle Scout and I work as a physical therapy aide.
Sport: Tennis Age: 28 Local Training Program: Area 11 Mercer Tennis Years Involved: 2 Other Sports I Play: Flag Football Fun Facts About Me: I like to sing and perform. I like to help my teammates and new coworkers.
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The Lawrence athletes are set to compete at venues across Mercer County throughout the week of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games. A preliminary schedule online at 2014specialolympics.org details the days and times of the events. Athletics (track and field) events are set to be held in Weaver Stadium at Princeton University, with events beginning at 9 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Awards will be given at the end of competition on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Baseball is set to be held at Mercer County Park with pool play starting at 9 a.m. Monday through Wednesday. The Bronze Medal Game is set to start at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, and the Gold Medal Game is set for 7 p.m. the same day at Arm and Hammer Park. Awards are scheduled to follow the Gold Medal Game. Golf events are scheduled to be held at Mercer Oaks Monday through Wednesday, with Levels 3 and 5 beginning at 8:30 a.m., Levels 2 and 4 at 9:30, and Level 1 at 10:30. Awards are scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday. Cycling is set to be held at Mercer County Park, with events beginning at 9 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Awards follow each day’s competition. Tennis is also scheduled to be held at Mercer County Park. Competitions are scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. and noon on Tuesday, and 8 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Awards are set to be presented at the end of the events on Wednesday and Thursday. For a complete schedule of events, go online to 2014specialolympics.org. When athletes are not competing in their events, they’ll have a number of different ways to stay busy. A welcome festival June 14 at Rider University, healthy athlete free health screenings and education June 16–19 at TCNJ, and the New Jersey boardwalk-themed Olympic Town at TCNJ June 16–19 are events designed exclusively for the athletes to attend and enjoy. Other events include Trenton Thunder game nights and a cruise down the Hudson River to see the sights of New Jersey and New York, including the Statue of Liberty. There will be opportunities for the public to interact with the athletes,too. Some of the events include New Jersey Welcome Day June 14, the Unified Sports Festival June 20 at TCNJ, and of course, cheering on the athletes at the competition venues. On the Web: 2014specialolympics.org.
Lawrence resident Nicole Lusardi will compete in cycling.,
