The Trenton Times published the following article on December 5, 2013. To read the full article, click here.
2014 Special Olympics USA Games will generate $116.5M in Central Jersey, officials say
By Nicole Mulvaney/The Times of Trenton
on December 05, 2013 at 2:39 PM, updated December 05, 2013 at 6:05 PMLAWRENCE — As the region prepares to host the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, officials announced yesterday they expect the June event to result in an economic impact of $116.5 million on the Central Jersey economy.
Representatives from Special Olympics, made up of about 3.7 million athletes internationally, and local business leaders say the games are expected to bring 100,000 people to the area.
“One of the things we wanted to do was to demonstrate the importance of these games to this region, economic importance,” said Robert Prunetti, president and CEO of the MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce. “Certainly there’s social value and all of the other great stuff that goes along with these games. We want everyone to know the value of bringing this particular event to the region.”
The games, set to run from June 14 to June 21, are expected to attract about 4,500 athletes participating in 16 Olympic-style sports, including basketball, golf, gymnastics, soccer and tennis. In addition, 1,000 coaches, 2,000 delegates and up to 90,000 spectators and visitors are expected.