Three local police cars with sirens wailing and lights flashing led a group of fifth and sixth graders, as well as teachers from Patrick M. Villano School as they ran in nearly 90-degree heat in honor of the Special Olympics. Breanne DeCarlo was one of those teachers.
“It felt wonderful to run for a great cause like the Special Olympics. To see so many 5th and 6th grade Villano students participate alongside me really warmed my heart,” DeCarlo said.
“Special Olympics New Jersey provides year-round sports training, competition, leadership opportunities, and health screenings to 22,000 athletes and Unified Partners,” according to the website for the New Jersey Torch Run.
Running in the event plays a huge part in supporting this organization. The Emerson Police Department collected at least $20 from each runner, and the school staff took up a collection as well. The school had a competition called Penny Wars, where coins were collected. The students raised $430.Damiano Dillow was one of the student runners.
“I felt really good running for a great cause for the Special Olympics,” Dillow said. “The Special Olympics is a really big thing where all special needs people have their chance to participate in their own Olympic Games, so I think that is really cool. I participated in running for the Special Olympics because a lot of my friends did it last year, and I thought it would be really cool to run with them and support the people that have special needs.”
Susan Mazzariello is a classroom assistant at Patrick M. Villano School. She has been lifelong friends with Mike Bub’s parents. Bub is from Shrub Oak, New York. In 2022, he competed in the Special Olympics and got a gold medal in the swimming relay. The most recent event he competed in was floorball, where he earned a bronze medal.
“I’m very proud to know somebody that has worked and trained so hard to achieve what he’s achieved and I’m very happy that everyone here at Emerson is supporting him and the other Special Olympic athletes.”Mazzariello said.
This is an annual event in Emerson, NJ. This is Decarlos’ third year running.
“I have nephews with special needs, and it fills them with joy to participate in programs like the Special Olympics. If I can help support fellow New Jerseyans achieve similar goals, then count me in.” DeCarlo stated.
