At its annual Night of Champions, Special Olympics New Jersey honors and celebrates outstanding individuals and groups.
In the year leading up to the big event, award candidates are identified and nominated by their peers. These nominations are reviewed by a committee, and finally the award recipients are revealed. Awards categories include 13 outstanding county athletes, several volunteers, spirit awards, Special Olympics New Jersey Hall of Fame, Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame, and a Lifetime Achievement award.
The Outstanding County Volunteer Award recognizes exemplary voluntary service by an individual to Special Olympics New Jersey at county competitions and events. The award was presented by Camden, Gloucester, and Salem Counties Coordinator, Marianne Aponte.
“If you have ever competed or been to an event in Camden, Gloucester, or Salem Counties, it is most likely Carlene Visalli had a hand in it. She goes above and beyond, always the first person to raise her hand, and do whatever she can to ensure our athletes and families have the best Special Olympics experience possibly.
When we started returning to activities after the pandemic, we had lost several of our committee members, leaving only Visalli and myself (Marianne Aponte). She stepped up to assist me in everything we needed to do and continues to this day. Without her I would have been lost.
It is that dedication to the many roles she has performed through the years: committee member, parent of an athlete, coach, Unified partner, mentor, and most important, friend – that make her deserving of the Outstanding County Volunteer Award.”