sonj newsletter

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Jeanne Buesser,

Special Olympics New Jersey will enter the 2009 calendar year celebrating 40

years since the very first New Jersey Games in 1970. It will be a year of

celebration of our athletes' achievements and recognition of the commitment

from our volunteers and sponsors.but it will also be a year of challenges.

As we find ourselves in the midst of uncertain economic times, the Special

Olympics New Jersey organization stands committed to the athletes of New

Jersey and to a program that will continue to serve their participation in

sport. It is our intent to offer a full schedule of activities in 2009.

Our success in providing a full slate of activities will require prudent

spending and aggressive funding strategies. Special Olympics New Jersey

offers athletes free participation, requiring raising a budget of more than

$6 million annually: over 98% independent of state or federal support.

With that being said, it will be important to manage resources to guarantee

that first and foremost, sports training and competition are not

compromised. This means diligently managing expenses at every level of the

organization, and leaves the possibility of scaling back non-essential

spending on program enhancements and special event activity. What does this

mean to the athletes? It means possibly pizza instead of a buffet dinner at

a competition; a DJ instead of a live band for the athletes'

post-competition party; an activity indoors instead of under a rented tent;

and possibly limited overnight stays at events...overall, a more conscious

eye on spending.

Area programs are strong and the plan is in place to conduct all Area,

Sectional and Statewide competitions, all Young Athlete Activities, and all

conferences and coaches training to ensure the best possible experience for

our athletes. We will also be sending our entire NJ delegation to Boise,

Idaho in February as part of Team USA to take part in the 2009 World Winter

Games.

We thank our volunteers and contributors for all of your support over the

years and ask for your continued support in 2009 to help us through what

looks to be a challenging, yet very exciting year.

Thank you and Happy Holidays.

Marc Edenzon

President

Special Olympics New Jersey

SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW JERSEY SPORTS COMPLEX / 3 PRINCESS ROAD /

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ 08648

(609)896-8000 / FAX (609)896-8040 / www.sonj.org

Created by the ph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation

Authorized and Accredited by Special Olympics, Inc., for the Benefit of

Persons with Intellectual Disabilities

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