SEA ISLE CITY — Over 75 individuals gathered at the Dealy Field Tennis courts in Sea Isle City for The Jim McLaughlin Memorial Tennis Tournament June 20. The theme was “Remembering Jim,” a long-time Sea Isle resident and builder who passed away last year.
It was a sea of white shirts worn by family, friends, sponsors and tennis players, who gathered not only to play tennis but to honor Area 8 Special Olympics/New Jersey. Several young Olympians were on hand for the festivities. These young men and women were recognized for their achievements in the Special Olympics program. Area 8 encompasses Cape May, Atlantic and Cumberland Counties.
Each individual was introduced by Jeanie Larsen, of Larsen’s Marina in Sea Isle City, an advocate for Special Olympics. Jeanie addressed the group explaining the Local Training Program (LTP). The team called “Sea Isle City Islanders” consists of four team’s of approximately 30 athletes playing for the “Islanders,” competing in Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Cycling and Track & Field. All monies collected from donations during the Jim McLaughlin Tournament is used on behalf of the athletes to pay for clothing, equipment and transportation.
On hand was Maureen Larsen, of Sea Isle City, who has competed in Dublin, Ireland summer games in Track & Field and most recently a member of world winter games in Pyeongchang, South Korea participating in slalom, giant slalom and downhill ski events. Maureen was also a member of Team New Jersey 2014 National Summer Games
Jeff DiAntonio, ofWildwood, attended World Winter Games with Team USA in Onago Japan. His events were the Slalom and Giant Slalom Down Hill Skiing.
Marissa Faralli, of CMCH, a member of Team USA at the Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland in Track & Field, was also a member of Team New Jersey National Championship Games held in Ames, Iowa.
Christina Vasser, of Lower Cape May, a member of Team New Jersey, recently competed in Track & Field events in Omaha, Nebraska. Christina was also a member of World Summer Games Track & Field in Athens, Greece. As recently as last year as a member of Team New Jersey, Christina participated in the first ever Special Olympic Triathlon’s Swim, Bike and Run event.
These young Olympians have participated in the LTP in excess of 13-years playing for the Islanders and have advanced beyond local and state competition.
Mayor Leonard Desiderio was on hand on June 20 to present a plaque to the McLaughlin family. He also dedicated a Tennis Court at Dealy Field in Jim’s memory. The Mayor said going forward when people book reservations for Court #1, they should ask for “The Jim McLaughlin Court.” He remarked that Jim was not only a quality builder in Sea Isle City, he was also a family man, good friend and a great representative for the City.
During the Jim McLaughlin Memorial Tennis Tournament, several hours of tennis was played and enjoyed by all. At the conclusion of the event the first place winner was announced. First Place honors went to Special Olympics, with a total of $9,250 raised for this worthy cause.
Tournament organizers extend a special thanks to everyone who participated in this event.
Cape May – People are scoffing at President Trump's "taking over of Canada", but let's break it down a little. The US has a 2.5 BILLION dollar trade deficit with Canada. That means the US…
