Saint Gregory the Great Academy and the Parish Carnival Committee have named Special Olympics, New Jersey as their 2014 Carnival Charity. Our 35^th Annual Family Carnival will be held June 16-21, the same week as the Special Olympics USA Games. The Special Olympics team includes 265 NJ athletes who will compete in over 16 Olympic-style team and individual sports at venues across central New Jersey.

Earlier this year, students at the Academy raised $5,000 to sponsor athletes and defray costs for the games next month. Pictured below are Academy representatives who presented Special Olympics with the donation. Pictured from left to right: Dr. Briggs (Principal), Maggie Maffia (student), Heather Anderson (Special Olympics, Vice President of Corporate Development), Ann Marie Lammerding (Special Olympics athlete), Michelle Smith (PTA President), Brooke Pena (student), and Father Thomas Vala (Parochial Vicar).

Dr. Briggs is encouraging families from the parish to attend or volunteer at the games during carnival week. “It is a win-win situation for our families and the athletes involved,” stated Briggs. “Community involvement through volunteering strengthens families. And it is a great service opportunity for teens as well who are familiar with these events and have played these same sports. The athletes deserve much support and we hope that the attendees and volunteers that week will cap-off their nights with food and fun at the carnival.”