The Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games will be held at The College of New Jersey from June 6-8, 2025, uniting athletes from across the state in a celebration of sportsmanship and competition.
Special Olympics New Jersey is a not-for-profit organization that provides sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
The 2025 event also marks the 42nd anniversary of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run, with officers known as “Guardians of the Flame” showing that the “Flame of Hope” remains strong in the Garden State.
On Friday, June 6, more than 3,000 officers will take to the streets of their local communities, split into 26 separate legs—some beginning as early as 4:45 a.m.—to raise awareness for Special Olympics New Jersey.
The annual Torch Run will lead into the Summer Games at The College of New Jersey.
The Torch Run has grown into one of the largest grassroots fundraising organizations for Special Olympics, raising more than $2 million annually through events such as an Adopt-a-Cop campaign, three Polar Bear Plunges, the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K, the United Airlines Plane Pull, and golf outings. Officers also volunteer year-round at competitions and events, serving as ambassadors in their communities.
Special Olympics athletes began practicing in April, participating in local and regional competitions to qualify for the state games. Summer sports include bocce, gymnastics, powerlifting, softball, swimming, tennis and track and field.
For registered athletes ages 2-7, Young Athletes events will be held at Dr. June Walker Field, featuring guided-play activities that introduce children with intellectual disabilities to the world of sports.
At Summer Games, the youngest members of the community will learn basics like balance, running, throwing, and kicking. They will also participate in the 25-meter Future Stars Race—all while making new friends and having fun.
The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for June 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Lions Stadium, The College of New Jersey, 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing Township.
Competitions will take place at several venues:
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) — tennis, swimming, bocce, track and field, and main festivitiesArmstrong Memorial Park, 323 Ewingville Road — softballSchafer Sports Center, 5 Graphics Drive — gymnastics (Sunday only)
The Healthy Athletes program will be offered alongside the Summer Games at the Brower Student Center. Healthy Athletes provides free health screenings in a fun, welcoming environment that helps reduce the anxiety often experienced by people with intellectual disabilities when visiting doctors or dentists.
It also trains healthcare professionals, who return to their practices with increased knowledge and compassion for people with intellectual disabilities.
Healthy Athletes disciplines include Opening Eyes, which will close at 4 p.m. on June 7 and at noon on June 8.
Olympic Village at Trenton Hall Lawn will feature games and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 7 and from 10 a.m. to noon on June 8. The Closing Ceremony is planned for June 8 at noon at Trenton Hall Patio.
For the full schedule and details, visit sonjsummergames.org.
