The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents and visitors that the National Junior Disability Championships (NJDC) are coming to three county parks from July 16 to July 24.
“We are thrilled to welcome visitors and athletes from all over the country to our Union County parks,” said a Union County Freeholder. “The Freeholder Board has worked to enhance our public recreation resources and provide a more welcoming environment for all, and it is wonderful to see these efforts bear fruit in a way that will help so many young people showcase their abilities on a national stage.”
Union County residents and visitors are encouraged to attend the events and cheer for top young athletes from all across the country.
To ensure the safety of the competitors and the general public, the following facilities are reserved for use by NJDC participants for the duration of the event:
· The Warinanco Park track and field will be closed to the general public all day July 16-17 and July 21-24.
· The Oak Ridge Park archery range will be closed all day from 3:00 p.m. on July 18 through Monday July 20.
The NJDC will include a swimming event, but no special closure for this facility is needed. It will take place at the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool in Rahway River Park, during hours when the pool is normally not in use by the public.
The 2015 National Junior Disability Championships™ (NJDC)TM is presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Children’s Specialized Hospital and the NJDC2015NJ Local Organizing Committee.
The annual competition celebrates athletes who have physical disabilities and either use wheelchairs, walkers or crutches, who wear orthotics or leg braces, or who may have difficulties with physical coordination.
The 2015 NJDC event will feature over 250 physically disabled athletes from across the country, including athletes from two New Jersey teams, the Children’s Lightning Wheels and the North Jersey Navigators.
The qualifying athletes, ranging in age from 7 to 22, will compete in Paralympic style events including track, field, pentathlon, swimming, powerlifting and archery.
For more information about the 2015 NJDC, including the games event schedule, sponsorship opportunities, and information on volunteering, visitNJDC2015NJ.com or email info@NJDC2015NJ.com.