Continuing a historic community partnership spanning nearly four decades, Wakefern Food Corp. and ShopRite served as major sponsors for the 2026 Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games, hosted at The College of New Jersey.
The multi-day event brought together thousands of athletes from across the state to compete in various sporting events, fostering an atmosphere of inclusion, athletic achievement, and community support.
The corporate pairs mobilized massive operational support for the games, deploying an army of more than 300 volunteers consisting of Wakefern corporate team members, independent ShopRite associates, and their families. Over the course of the weekend, the volunteer network prepared and distributed 18,000 fresh meals to fuel competing athletes, traveling families, and event staff.
In tandem with the volunteer workforce on the ground, ShopRite finalized a direct $150,000 financial contribution to Special Olympics New Jersey. The funding, which was officially announced during a joint Special Olympics Golf Clinic hosted alongside Coca-Cola at the ShopRite LPGA tournament, is earmarked to scale accessible year-round training programs and competition opportunities for local athletes.
“Our relationship with Special Olympics New Jersey has been incredibly meaningful to our Wakefern and ShopRite family for decades,” Mike Stigers, president of Wakefern Food Corp said. “From cheering on athletes at the Summer Games to supporting year-round programs, it’s inspiring to see the joy, determination and sense of community Special Olympics New Jersey brings to so many.”
The opening ceremonies coincided with the 43rd annual Law Enforcement Torch Run, a crucial fundraising and awareness campaign for the Special Olympics movement. As the torch traversed the state, it made designated pit stops at nearly 50 local ShopRite supermarket storefronts, where retail associates provided rest stations and refreshments for the participating runners.
