Jespy Athletes Compete in Essex County Special Olympics

They came from all over Essex County, including South Orange's Jespy House. Athletes with special needs  converged on Brookdale Park on Wednesday morning to participate in the Essex County Special Olympics track and field competition. Those with the best times will advance to the state finals in June.

“This helps the kids to have goals and accomplishments.” says Bill Copeck, part of the core of about six volunteers that has been organizing this event for the last 15 to 20 years. “It allows them to feels good about themselves.”

The games opened with a lighted torch, a parade of athletes and opening remarks from Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo. Dan Salvante, Director of the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs, acted as master of ceremony.

The following schools participated in the event: Benjamin Franklin School, Bloomfield High School, Branch Brook School, Camden Elementary School, First Avenue School, Louise A. Spencer School, Jespy House, John F. Kennedy School, New Jersey Regional Day School, Essex County Vocational School-West Caldwell Campus, Horizon School, McKinley School, 1st Cerebral Palsy Center and West Essex Regional High School.

Bloomfield High School's band provided the must and most of the student volunteers.

Results weren't yet final as of publication; we'll update residents when we know who's going to the state.