NEWARK – To celebrate the upcoming 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, the New Jersey Devils are hosting local athletes from Special Olympics New Jersey on March 8 when the Devils take on Carolina. SONJ athletes and the 2014 USA Games, which are taking place in New Jersey this June, will be recognized throughout the game that evening.
In addition, Prudential Center will serve as Opening Ceremony Host on June 15 as nearly 3,500 Special Olympics athletes from throughout the U.S. will march in a Parade of Athletes to officially commence the 2014 USA Games. This summer’s games will bring an estimated $116.5M revenue boost to the region. This 2014 gathering will mark the third time that the Special Olympics USA games will take place, with previous events hosted in Iowa in 2006 and in Nebraska in 2010.
“The opportunity to be a part of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games is at the core of what we believe in as an organization,” said Hugh Weber, President of Devils Arena Entertainment. “We are proud to be hosting the Opening Ceremony for the 2014 USA Games, and are honored to help shine a spotlight on the talented and inspiring athletes that will be competing.”
The Special Olympics USA Games will be the largest gathering of athletes from around the U.S. to compete in 16 different sports competitions in some of the top sports venues in the state including Princeton University, Rider University, The College of New Jersey, Mercer County Park and several area private schools. In addition to a dynamic Opening Ceremony at Prudential Center which includes the recitation of the athlete oath and lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron, Special Olympics athletes will participate in spectacular Special Events from the moment they arrive including New Jersey Welcome Day, boat cruise to see the Statue of Liberty, Sports Showcases and so much more.
“This partnership of the 2014 USA Games with Devils Arena Entertainment is one more shining example of organizations embracing this event and maximizing their efforts to enhance the overall experience for our athletes,” said TJ Nelligan, Chairman & CEO, 2014 Special Olympics USA Games. “We are extremely grateful to the entire Devils Arena Entertainment family for their incredible generosity and allowing us to truly kick off the 2014 USA Games with a statewide celebration in one of the premier facilities in the country.”