YMCA Of Montclair To Host Special Olympics Swim Meet

On Saturday, March 22, from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., the YMCA of Montclair will host over 50 athletes from three teams representing Livingston, Caldwell and Wayne for the Essex County Special Olympics Swim Meet. This will be the first time Essex County is home to a Special Olympics New Jersey Swim Meet.

Athletes can look forward to a day of fun and competition. The games will open with a parade of athletes. The competition includes 14 races, including the 50 freestyle, 50 backstroke and 100 individual medley.

“Hosting the Special Olympics Swim Meet reminds the community that the YMCA of Montclair's programs are for everyone," said YMCA of Montclair CEO Jo Ann Short.

A team of over 20 YMCA of Montclair Dolphins swim team members and parents will serve as event volunteers.

The event will be funded by a $1,000 donation from Haven Savings Bank, and by Studio 042.

Please email Bill Copeck, Director, Special Olympics New Jersey, Area 9 Swimming with any questions or to cover the event at bcopern@gmail.com.

About the YMCA of Montclair: Founded in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair is a nonprofit organization that welcomes all people. We have provided services to residents of many towns, including those in our service area (Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Clifton, Glen Ridge, Montclair and Verona) for over 120 years. Members benefit from healthy lifestyle related core programs, including aquatics, child care, day camp, family activities, health and wellness, sports and teen programs.

About SONJ: Special Olympics New Jersey provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 24 Olympic-type sports for more than 24,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, completely free of charge, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Visit www.sonj.org for more information.