Greg Schiano Named Special Olympics New Jersey Honorary Coach
May 21 | Football
LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. - Special Olympics New Jersey is proud to announce that Rutgers University Football Coach Greg Schiano has signed on as Honorary Coach.
A Special Olympics Honorary Coach demonstrates a personality and leadership that signifies integrity and sportsmanship. As Honorary Coach, Special Olympics New Jersey found the ultimate New Jersey role model in Schiano who has brought national recognition to the Rutgers Football Program through his dynamic character as coach. In his role he will be called upon to motivate and inspire the 16,000 Special Olympics athletes in New Jersey and promote the Special Olympics movement throughout the Garden State.
He will also represent the thousands of coaches statewide whodonate endless hours of time and energy to those athletes.
"Coach Schiano's success, his outlook, his attitude, have all served to inspire, not only his football team, but all of us in New Jersey who follow sports," said SONJ President Marc Edenzon. "We are honored to have a nationally recognized coach in New Jersey and an individual who sincerely supports the athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey."
As the head coach of Rutgers University Football, Schiano was the first Rutgers coach to lead his team to a bowl game championship, the 2006 Texas Bowl. He was also the first coach to guide Rutgers to a top-10 national ranking. In recognition of the outstanding 2006 campaign, Coach Schiano was received numerous awards including 2006 BIG EAST Coach of the Year; 2006 The Home Depot National Coach of the Year; and 2006 Eddie Robinson/Football Writers Association of America National Coach of the Year.
At last year's Summer Games Opening Ceremonies Rutgers Football players led the Special Olympics athletes onto the field during the parade of athletes. This year, Coach Schiano is scheduled to join his team at the Ceremonies at Lions' Stadium and address the nearly 8,000 athletes, family members and volunteers expected to be in attendance.
Opening Ceremonies begins in Lion's Stadium at the College of New Jersey at 7:30 pm on Friday, June 1. There is no admission fee to any of the events at the Summer Games. The public is encouraged to come out and view the events. Volunteers are still needed for Sunday events.
For more information on Special Olympics New Jersey or the Summer Games, visit www.sonj.org, or call (609) 896-8000.
