West Milford's Olympiads hope to bring home memories, gold

By Justina Addice
West Milford — With the summer Special Olympics games happening this weekend in the Ewing Township, West Milford’s team has been working hard to prepare for this event.
From javelin to relay races, this wide variety of activities allows the athletes to play to their strengths and discover hidden talents along the way.
“I’m most excited about running a lot more than ever before,” said athlete Wyatt Becker, who will be competing this weekend.
Beginning on Friday, June 8, the group will make their way down to The College of New Jersey, check in and receive their room assignments, and then enjoy the opening ceremonies.
The competitions will commence at 8 a.m. on Saturday. The athletes will tour the Olympic village that night, as well as participate in other fun activities.
After events on Sunday, the Olympics conclude with the closing ceremonies.
West Milford’s new team members are looking forward to the excitement of the games this year, while some of last year’s athletes are excited about participating in new events for the first time.
Destiny Gerety, who won gold in the 1,500-meter and silver for javelin last year, will be a competitor in the long jump event this year alongside her sister, Heather Gerety.
Olympiad Michael McClosky is excited to “run, do events, be with my friends, and have a blast.”
After so much training, not only do they look forward to competing in events, but they enjoy spending time and sharing the experience with their friends.
Maggie Guggiari pointed out that what she is really looking forward to is being able to “room with my friends Heather, Kelly, and Destiny.”
West Milford’s team is not just a group of athletes who participate in Special Olympics each year, they’re a family who have come together to try their very best and have a great time while doing so.
The town is cheering for the team.