BRIELLE — Brielle resident and state Special Olympian Danny Tobin competed for gold in the 25M backstroke at The College of New Jersey’s Special Olympics, and was then welcomed home with a parade by members of the fire department on Sunday, June 11.
In preparation for that day, Mr. Tobin attended weekend practices with his team and other volunteers, The Jersey Shore Freedom Flyers and coach Kristen Heaney, at the Atlantic Club in Wall early Sunday mornings during the winter months.
“He has not been competing since he was young,” said Mary Tobin, Mr. Tobin’s mother. “But he’s always loved the water. Swimming in pools, swimming in the ocean. We only found out about the team when he was in high school.”
Coach Heaney registered the Jersey Shore Freedom Flyers group under the broader scope of New Jersey Special Olympics, allowing them to compete against other teams at TCNJ.
On the day before the race, opening ceremonies were held in the college’s football stadium, with participation by nearly 3,000 police officers in a torch run. Participants from each county were escorted to the field by law enforcement officers.
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