Theresa Diaz and Thomas Gutierrez received some of the Special Olympics New Jersey’s top awards at the S.O.N.J. annual awards dinner held in early November at the Westin in Princeton.
Diaz received her award as Outstanding Coach at the Chapter Level for all of her hard work, commitment, and dedication to the athletes on the local Bayonne Recreation Special Olympics team. She helps to coach the teams in volleyball, alpine skiing and snowshoeing, bowling, track and field, tennis, and swimming. She does this throughout the year in the Bayonne Ability Day Camp. She has been involved with the Special Olympics program for nearly 30 years.
Gutierrez received his award as Outstanding Summer Athlete for his role as the captain of the Bayonne Recreation Dolphins Special Olympics swim team. He is also a member of the volleyball team and he participates in snowshoeing, bowling, track and field, and tennis. He has been a member of the team for almost 25 years.