Holmdel Unified Game Day at Cross Farm Park

HOLMDEL, NJ — The Holmdel school district held its fifth annual Unified Game Day at Cross Farm Park Tuesday. Unified Game Day involves kids with special needs, such as autism, Down's Syndrome and physical disabilities, competing in sporting events with their peers. In the Holmdel school district, special-needs students and their peers are already used to hanging out and playing together: They participate in sports together in Holmdel's "adaptive physical education" classes.

Over 200 kids in total participated. Colts Neck, Little Silver, and Upper Freehold school districts attended, along with the Harbor School. All students enjoyed yoga, and multiple soccer skills at their stations.

The driving force behind the Unified Game Day is Project Unify, a Special Olympics peer program designed to promote and develop understanding, acceptance and respect between young people.

Lunches were donated by Best Market, Chartwells, Dearborn Farm, Delicious Orchards, ShopRite, Food Circus Supermarket, Stop & Shop and the Village School PSA. Transportation for Holmdel students was donated by Helfrich and Sons, Keyport Autos and Unlimited Autos. Music was supplied by Hotspot DJ Nicky Paolantonio.