To the Editor:
On the weekend of June 11, 12 and 13, the Bayonne Recreation Special Olympics participated in the summer games of Special Olympics New Jersey representing Hudson County. Athletes came from all across the state. Bayonne’s events, consisting of swimming, track and field, bocce and tennis were contested on The College of New Jersey campus in Ewing, N.J.
It began on Friday evening with an impressive opening ceremony attended by thousands. The athletes were introduced wearing different colorful uniforms representing the various counties of New Jersey. The events were then performed all day Saturday and again on Sunday while the athletes endured the sweltering heat.
Everyone was and still is proud of the great performances of the Bayonne group. The young athletes came home proudly wearing the many shining gold, silver, bronze and fourth place medals.
Just as proud are the coaches and their assistants who, without them, could not have made the events happen. It takes tolerance, hard work, time, patience, commitment and 24 hour supervision to have events like this. They are truly appreciated. Thank you to head coach John Valdora; coaches Ed Broderick and Chris Baccarella; all the assistants, Veronica Burns, Denise Bawiec, Fran Tomasso, Theresa Diaz, Tom Moody, Willie Pacas and Tony Torress; and anyone else who devoted their time. These fine people also devote themselves to the winter games which involve many of the same athletes.
ANGELA CICCONE AND THE FAMILY OF MARCELLO CICCONE