Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been unable to participate in Special Olympics activities, or even gather with others that they do not reside with, for almost a year.  In an effort to help fill that void, Special Olympics New Jersey has donated athletic game equipment to several agencies that serve this vulnerable population, including The Arc of Warren County.

The Arc of Warren County received a donation of almost $800 worth of equipment, including eight bag toss boards, two bocce sets, two bowling sets, 10 ring toss games, one Wiffle ball set and a variety of t-shirts.

“It was important to Special Olympics New Jersey to make it a little easier for organizations to help their consumers stay active during this time,” said Matt Willey, field services manager at Special Olympics New Jersey. “This is why this statewide outreach was launched. This initiative includes working with agencies to hold a virtual bag toss competition, which is designed to keep this community engaged.”

Plans to utilize this equipment include incorporation of the games into Camp Warren, The Arc of Warren County’s camp located in Knowlton, this summer, as well as some athletic competitions between different group homes. Once the recreation department’s Social Club is up and running, all of these materials will be used to promote involvement.

“We are very pleased to receive this donation from Special Olympics New Jersey,” says Robyn Gardella, assistant director of the recreation department at The Arc of Warren County.  “These products will provide us with additional resources to ensure that our consumers have a fuller recreational experience even under the restrictions that we are currently faced with.”

The Arc of Warren County has served more than 1,100 people annually for the past 66 years.