Shoprite Signs On As Founding Partner For 2014 Special Olympics USA Games

ShopRite and the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games announced today that ShopRite has signed on as a Founding Partner for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, a national sporting event taking place in New Jersey June 14-21, 2014.  The announcement was made at the ShopRite LPGA Classic held at the Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club in Galloway, NJ by Marc Edenzon, 2014 USA Games Consultant & President of Special Olympics New Jersey and ShopRite executives. Special Olympics Ambassador for Golf and LPGA Professional I.K. Kim, who is also competing in the ShopRite LPGA Classic, participated in the announcement. Nearly 3,500 athletes will travel to New Jersey for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games to compete in 16 Olympic-style team and individual sports, with the support of 1,000 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and an anticipated 70,000 spectators. The 2014 USA Games will celebrate the Special Olympics movement, promote the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport and showcase the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities. The 2014 USA Games will be staged throughout Mercer County, NJ including competitions at Princeton University, Rider University, The College of New Jersey and Mercer County Park, with the Opening Ceremonies taking place at the Prudential Center in Newark. ShopRite will serve as the Official Supermarket of the Games, providing daily lunches, snacks, and beverages for the athletes and volunteers and will provide all floral arrangements for the various receptions and special events throughout the week.  ShopRite will also include the 2014 USA Games in much of its promotional efforts over the next year including broadcast recognition, outdoor signage and in-store exposure. “ShopRite has been a long-time supporter of Special Olympics New Jersey and was one of the first companies to indicate their support of our bid for the 2014 USA Games,” said TJ Nelligan, Chairman & CEO, 2014 Special Olympics USA Games.  “Along with the donation of all the food and beverage for the athletes and volunteers, the promotional recognition ShopRite is offering is tremendous and will really help showcase the Games to a broader audience.  We are very fortunate to be working with such a committed partner of Special Olympics.” "As a New Jersey-based business, we at ShopRite are so honored that our great state has the privilege to host the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games," said Joseph Colalillo, Chairman and CEO of Wakefern Food Corp., the merchandising and distribution arm for ShopRite stores. "ShopRite has been a proud supporter of Special Olympics for nearly thirty years through the sponsorship of Special Olympics New Jersey Summer & Winter Games. Year after year, we are inspired by the athletes' determination, enthusiasm and sportsmanship. It is a great pleasure to announce our support of the 2014 USA Games and we look forward to cheering on all participating Special Olympics athletes."