The Middletown Township Committee honored the town’s Special Olympic participants at its public meeting on Monday, May 19.

Committeeman Thomas Wilkens said he was excited to honor the athletes because they represent what the Olympics are all about.

Wilkens said that, in Ancient Greece, society revolved around two principles: Agon and arete. “‘Agon’ is the struggle, the process,” Wilkens said. “‘Arete’ is the victory, the success.”

Notably, according to Wikipedia, arete basically means goodness, excellence or virtue of any kind. In Greek mythology, this notion of excellence was bound with the notion of achievement, the free, online encyclopedia stated. It was also used as a proper noun or as the name of a goddess who personified these qualities in ancient Greece.

Wilkens said the more these athletes participate and try their best, the more they will be successful, just as the ancient Greeks were. “I congratulate you for your efforts,” he said.

Special Olympics Coordinator Jack Saylor said it has been a great privilege working with the athletes and the community.

Saylor recognized not only the participants, but the parents and volunteers as well. “You can tell they have it [in their hearts],” he said.

He also thanked Assistant Coach Bonnie Squicciarini.  

The Special Olympics were held at Toms River High School South, Toms River, and included athletes from both Monmouth and Ocean counties, Saylor noted.

Saylor said the Middletown team had a banner, as well as uniforms, for the occasion.

Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger said he was honored these people “take so much time and effort” on the town’s behalf. “Middletown is a great sports town,” he said. “[The Special Olympians] are certainly part of that athletic tradition.”

For more information about Special Olympics New Jersey, visit its Web site at: www.sonj.org.

The next Township Committee meeting will be held on Monday, June 2, at 8 p.m. in the Municipal Court Room.