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by Mike Milisivana, guest blogger and Unified Soccer partner

They are all athletes. Perhaps I didn’t fully understand the true meaning of the word until I first stepped onto the field for Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) Unified Soccer with a group of young soccer enthusiasts. I think of the theme song from “Cheers,” for this was a place where people from all different walks of life were coming together for a sole purpose: Soccer.

Mike getting ready to take the field during Unified Soccer at SONJ’s TD Sports Field.

My first day on the TD Sports Field, I realized that my rudimentary knowledge of Special Olympics and the athletes that participate was going to get a shakedown. I’ve been coaching Soccer for the past 5 years with Lawrence Twp. and yet I didn’t fully realize what to expect.

That first day, I was given the opportunity and honor of teaming up with athletes that have come together to participate in what is known as Unified Soccer. I have to say, I truly felt that this was an apt description of my experience when partnering with these SONJ athletes.

Mike gives pointers to SONJ athlete Kristen, while his son Jack looks on.

My son Jack and I were partnered with several athletes during the first evening, all of whom had different skill levels. It was our goal to have them all play as a unit while learning new skills. While they were attaining new skills, I was learning a lesson or two myself. Let me explain…

There was one athlete in particular that obviously looked like she was having a terrific time. But the one thing I noticed was that she only wanted to play defense. Everyone engaged in drill after drill, but Becky wanted to continue to play a defensive position each time.

I knew what my goal was for the evening. I not only wanted to partner with Becky and help her to excel in the sport, but moreover, I wanted to be able to share my own enthusiasm for the game and the many nuances it entails. There was only one way to do this: encouragement!

Mike practicing some drills during Unified Soccer.

Confidence is a many-faceted gem. I wanted to help her make every facet of her confidence to come through and shine. Encouraging Becky to step outside of her comfort zone and try something different was going to be a feat worth undertaking.

And all this while, it was not only I who encouraged her to try something different, but she encouraged me to open my eyes and realize that during the last few weeks, no matter what is in the background of our lives, we still have a grand thing in common. SOCCER!

Becky is now comfortable in playing a more offensive position in the game. I am now comfortable with the fact that I had no idea that I would connect with some true athletes who put their hearts and heads into the game. I feel as if I am truly the one who walked away with gift in tow. The gift of knowing that, on the field, we are all unified in some way. We have found our common thread.

SONJ athlete Kevin takes control of the ball during game play.

Be it athlete or partner, the lines that delineate who we are now converge because we are all there for the love of the game and to share our victories and defeats, all in the name of FUN!  All in the name of Soccer!

For more information on the Unified Sports program, visit Special Olympics Unified Sports.

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On the morning of April 28^th, at 7:00 am, the majority of my friends were sound asleep, cozy and warm in their beds. I, on the other hand, was splashing my face with cold water and drinking a protein shake in preparation for the 3-hour Can-Do Triple Threat Inspirational Ride.

While most 26-year-olds’ Friday nights probably consist of staying up late and being out on the town, my coworker, sister and I were “carbing up” and reading in our beds. We were asleep somewhere between 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm to make sure we had at least 8 hours of sleep before we had to spin.

We woke up (somewhat) refreshed on Saturday morning, and each had a small but healthy breakfast. My mom thought she was being nice by providing donuts and cinnamon buns, but I was good and had a protein shake instead. I wanted to make sure to eat something that could carry me through all 3 hours so I wouldn’t get hunger pangs!

We arrived at Can-Do in time to register, and we got our Spin Jerseys and tickets to get in. I started to get a rush of adrenaline (and a bit of nervousness, too) in the hour leading up to the event. Sure I had protein, and yes I’d been working out to prepare, but what if I didn’t make it through? What if, out of everyone in the class, I couldn’t complete the 3 hours? I did start to have my doubts but I tried to focus on other things and push them out of my head!

We all got on our bikes and I was instantly excited and energized. We all looked great in our colorful shirts, and seeing everyone gathered together for such a powerful event really set me straight and put me in the right mindset. I was ready to go!

The threat illustration

The entire 3-hour ride had been broken down into three “threats”/mountains, and they were illustrated on the wall. I clipped my feet into the pedals and off we went.

The first hour of our ride was instructed byBeverly, and she did a wonderful job of getting us warmed up and energized for the day. The first threat was made up primarily of switchbacks, or turns on a hill. They were tough but steady and I now felt adequately warmed up and confident to boot.

The second hour was led by Germaine, who I had the pleasure of meeting that morning. Her hour of the ride was tough, but I was at the peak of my energy for the day and I pushed through it!

So far things were going well. Everyone was energized, occasionally hooting and hollering in enthusiasm. Every so often I’d get a little tired, and wonder if I could get through the second half of the event. But then I’d look at our Special Olympics Athlete, Shaun Woolf, who was spinning on a bike in front of me. He was powering through our threats! His determination inspired me to continue even if I questioned whether or not I could.

Me on the left, with my co-worker (center) and sister (right)

At this point the last hour had finally arrived. Nancy took over the class, and kept us interested and enthused. My energy was definitely starting to wane by now, and we were doing 10-minute “standing hills”. Honestly the only way to get through this was to just close my eyes and visualize what I could. Visualize the hills, nice weather, maybe a road overlooking a river? Something scenic. I would visualize it in as much detail as possible, and before we knew it we would be done with that hill!

This went on a number of times until finally, unbelievably, we were at the end. Everyone was cheering, sweating, huffing and puffing, clapping, yelling, smiling. The energy in the room was probably at it’s highest at this one moment. Everyone was proud of themselves, proud of the person next to them, proud of Shaun.

Me (center) with instructors Nancy and Germaine

I made it through and was proud of myself and everyone else for being able to power through and finish the entire ride! From start to finish the entire experience (the preparation and event itself) was inspiring and I loved to see so many people come together for such a great cause.

It’s moments like these that I’m glad to have been a part of! I will definitely be signing up for another Special Olympics New Jersey fundraising event in the near future and hopefully will get to share my experiences with everyone then, as well!

Check out all of the Triple Threat Inspirational Ride photos HERE!

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Steven Rodenbeck catches a pass

by Brandon Gould, TCNJ student and guest blogger

Dalton Stilts took the ball from under center, rolled right and hit wide receiver Steven Rodenbeck for a touchdown in Special Olympics New Jersey’s version of “Friday Night Lights” on April 20.
Stilts’ and Rodenbeck’s connection during a flag football clinic was met with hoots and hollers from The College of New Jersey’s varsity football team, who helped hold the event at TD Sports Field in Lawrenceville.

“It was great, just great to be out here and helping these athletes out,” said sophomore linebacker Joseph Conklin. “Some of them are even better than us at doing certain things. It was a great time and I’m glad that we did it.”

It was a great night for football as the SONJ athletes came out in their favorite teams’ colors – there was a Jonathan Vilma, a Stewart Bradley and even an Ohio State jersey – to meet up with the TCNJ players to work on drills and work on the fundamentals of the game.

“It’s fun because it’s fundamentals, F-U-N are the first letters of fundamentals,” TCNJ head coach Eric Hamilton said. “You see kids doing it for the pure enjoyment of the sport and it didn’t matter what the drill was or what the position was, they were just out here playing and having fun.”

Kevin working on some drills

The first half of the drill session concentrated on the defensive side of the game. Hamilton set up three stations for defensive backs, linebackers and defensive linemen.

The SONJ athletes couldn’t help but let out a laugh here and there as Hamilton’s assistants showed them how to shuffle from side to side, how to snatch the flags off another player, how to pass rush and how to back pedal – a drill that Hamilton himself took part in at one time.

“It’s a different side of the coaches that we get to see out there and it’s awesome,” said junior tight end Tyler Powell. “They’re so enthusiastic and it’s so much fun.”

After the defense had its turn, it was time for SONJ athletes to take part in the offensive drills. There were drills for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and offensive linemen.

Powell helped guide some of the athletes through some blocking techniques, drills that he’s been doing for years and is happy to pass along. “It’s fun to see them experience the same things that I’ve been experiencing forever and have a great time doing it,” Powell said.

Seeing players like Powell assisting the SONJ athletes through drills is a situation Hamilton is glad his players get exposed to and something that he loves to watch.

“It gives our kids a chance to realize, maybe, how lucky they have it and they get to give back and try to teach them some of the fundamentals,” Hamilton said. “Seeing that innocence, from the athletes from Special Olympics, with the hardness of the (TCNJ) kids, who take for granted, perhaps, the skills that they have, and watch it come together is a unique experience.”

Got the flag!

Once the drills were through, it was time for the SONJ athletes to take what they learned and put it to work on the field. Dalton’s pass to Rodenbeck was just one of the countless moments when the SONJ athletes and the TCNJ athletes cracked smiles and let out a roar.

“One of the main themes of Special Olympics is sportsmanship and it’s a big thing in the NCAA, and at the College, and this is sportsmanship in its truest form,” Hamilton said. “It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it doesn’t matter if you catch it or don’t catch it, it just matters that you made the effort and that’s what they were applauding and recognizing.”

The day concluded with a stretch and a breakdown, which included beats on the chest after a 3-count. As the TCNJ players walked off the field, they shook hands and said farewell to the SONJ athletes, encouraging and congratulating them on a solid night of work.

High five! Thanks TCNJ for an awesome clinic.

“It’s a lot of fun to come out here,” Powell said. “The athletes are great and they had a good time and that’s all that matters.”

View SONJS’s photos or TCNJ’s photos from the clinic!

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by Katy Lido, Communications Manager for Special Olympics New Jersey, who is running the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge next weekend.

I’ve always wanted to be “A Runner.”

My country lane, ideal for a run

I’ve lived most of my life in Hunterdon County, a beautiful country setting that boasts over 8,000 acres of park and farmland and whose Chamber of Commerce calls it a “recreational paradise.” Nestled among the proverbial rolling hills and lush green fields, our little cottage is a converted barn situated on a working horse farm.

In short, it’s the perfect setting for a long, healthy run.

I mentally picture myself lacing up my sneakers and hitting the pavement in the wee morning hours, with only the clop-clopping of hooves and an occasional cock-a-doodle-doo on neighboring farms to drive my rhythmic cadence. There’s just something about the dewy face, lithe body and raw determination of a runner. I want it.

After a few miles on the treadmill

But let’s get real – I don’t have it. I’m 37 years old, descend from solid German stock with broad shoulders and a thick waist, and truly define the stereotype of a lazy Taurus. I can’t break a 12-minute mile, sweat pours off of me by the gallon, and I can only motivate myself to run by blaring the nastiest, angriest rap music out there.

I stepped on the treadmill for the first time last summer, shortly after coming to work at Special Olympics New Jersey and a few months shy of my wedding. Like every other bride-to-be wanting to shed a few, I willed myself to go to our Wawa Fitness Center at least 3 times a week during my lunch hour – after all, only one door separates my desk from the machines.

I downloaded the Couch to 5K app, filled my iPhone with tunes. I subscribed to Runner’s World. I registered for 12 different 5Ks in the area, logged each mile, and of course, spent hundreds of dollars on all sorts of fancy running gear – the shoes, the short-shorts, the arm band to hold my iPhone. I was all in.

Then the shin splints came. Frantically pouring over runner’s blogs, I wondered, “Do I over-pronate? Under-pronate? What does that even mean??” Suddenly, I found myself strangely obsessed with my feet, contorting my body in unnatural positions to get a better look at my arches and researching renowned podiatrists who might take my insurance.

Meanwhile, my poor husband (who was probably wondering what the heck he got himself into) tentatively offered up words of encouragement and finally settled on this gem: “Maybe you’re just not a runner.”

What?! Not a runner?! But I’ve worked so hard! I bought all that stuff! I HAVE APPS!!

Pshhht. I did what any true stubborn Taurus does: dug in my heels and stepped up my game. I ran through the pain, signed up for even more races and invested in a 500-capsule supply of Advil. I even tried running barefoot.

Then one day, under the influence of some extra-strength Ben-Gay, I solemnly peeled the tape from my legs and accepted that I had to do something even more painful: I had to admit that my husband was right. I’m just not a runner.

Crossing the finish line at my very first 5K last October. Time 38:12.

After pouting for a few weeks, I started paying attention to life around me and that’s when it hit home. Every day, I work with athletes who face all kinds of challenges. So what if I can’t finish a 5K without walking portions of it? So what if I come in the bottom third? Just like the athletes of Special Olympics already know, what matters is that I give it my all!

It was time to stop trying to be “A Runner” and time to just run. I’m going into next weekend’s Lincoln Tunnel Challenge with the words of late Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman in mind: “Sometimes what matters is not what dog is in the fight, but how much fight is in the dog.”

Wish me luck and keep an eye out for me. I’ll probably be near the end of the pack…but I’ll be celebrating. I’ll be all in.

To sponsor me in the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge, click here! 

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Guest Blog by Nicole Composto, SONJ communications manager

Almost a full month ago, I wrote my first blog detailing my experiences in preparing for the 3-hour Can Do Triple Threat Inspirational Ride. It’s been 30 days since writing that blog, and I can say that much has changed. I just reread the blog post and laughed to myself at seeing just how dramatic I was in regards to how tough my workouts were and how I doubted myself and my abilities. I can safely say that today’s post will be different!

After that first extended ride, I started working out 3 days a week with my trainer. And although the workouts with him are still proportionally just as intense, I’m now working with weights that are double the heaviness of when I began to work out and I feel stronger and stronger every day.

A schedule conflict caused me to miss my second extended ride (90-minutes) but this past Saturday I finally got to flex my newfound muscles at a 2-hour extended ride at Can Do Fitness. After a month of heavy workouts, I went into the ride with an overinflated ego – and the class definitely put me in my place! It was a full two hours of riding, and while it wasn’t “my-heart-can’t-take-it-anymore” intense, it was a heavy, slow burn that caught up with me by the end of the class and far beyond into the rest of Saturday.

This particular 2-hour ride was more or less broken down into two parts…the first hour, taught by Beverly, was more of a long warm-up to get us ready for the more intense second half, which was then taught by Nancy. This second hour was filled with hills and “switchbacks” – a preparation for a turn on a hillside. I can honestly say that we spent most of the class out of the seat, standing up leaning forward on the handlebars…it was tough.

By the end of the class, everything hurt. My joints and my muscles ached down to the very core, but I felt fantastic. I couldn’t believe that I had completed 2 hours. I attended the class with two co-workers and one SONJ athlete, and everyone was so supportive of each other. We all congratulated each other on a job well done! I was proud of myself for finishing strong, but I definitely realized that I severely underestimated the class! This was very, very tough on me, and I truly am going to have to push to prepare to add an additional hour onto what was already a rough ride.

While the ride itself was tough and I was hurting, I felt so good about myself that I decided to go out for a 3-mile walk in the park with a friend – mistake! By the time I got home, I felt like I had been through the ringer! My body was exhausted, and I slept for 12 hours that night.

This has taught me that I really need to take care of my body for this ride…both before, during and after. I went into the Saturday ride without eating breakfast (Mistake #1), didn’t hydrate enough during (Mistake #2), and didn’t allow myself to fully recover after (Mistake #3). I now know not to take this endeavor lightly and that I truly need to prepare and recover from the 3-hour spin when the time comes. Anyone else who has signed up should also take steps to really treat their body right in preparation for the 3-hour ride.

At this point, I’m both nervous and excited for the big day, but I’m looking forward to it and also looking forward to being able to share my experience through the Special Olympics New Jersey blog!