Community Invited to Take Part in Special Olympics New Jersey Event Held Saturday in Lawrence Twp.

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by Special Olympics New Jersey.

On Saturday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon, Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) will host Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day (EKS Day) at its Sports Complex located at 3 Princess Rd., Lawrence Township.

The community is invited to participate in or watch unified sporting events, in which teams mix players with and without intellectual disabilities, throughout the day.

As the founder of Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver (1921-2009) was a leader in the worldwide struggle to improve and enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities for more than three decades.

EKS Day is an annual celebration of her life and a global call for people to commit actions of inclusion, acceptance and unity for and with individuals with intellectual disabilities. EKS Day activities focus on sport, because Eunice Kennedy Shriver believed that on the playing field we forget about our differences, and forge bonds that recognize our mutual humanity.

Locally, emphasis will be placed on the Special Olympics Unified Sports program because it provides the best opportunities for those with and without intellectual disabilities to get to know each other while building friendships and developing a better understanding.

By having fun together in a variety of sports, Special Olympics athletes and their partners improve their physical fitness, sharpen their skills, challenge the competition and help to overcome prejudices about intellectual disability. Visit www.sonj.org for more information and a complete schedule of EKS Day unified sports.

Those who cannot attend EKS Day at SONJ’s Sports Complex can commit their own EKS “Act of Unity” that demonstrates passion for continuing Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s invaluable legacy. Visit www.eksday.org to see the many Acts of Unity people are committing around the globe.

For more information about the local EKS Day celebration, call 609-896-8000 or e-mail SportsInfo@sonj.org.