Athletics
& Fitness
JESPY’s Athletics and Fitness Program emphasizes overall physical fitness, health and wellness, and the development of social skills. Through the program, clients establish and maintain appropriate fitness routines and participate in athletic games that require inherent or learned sports skills and teamwork.
Sports Activities
JESPY clients of all levels of abilities enjoy the team spirit, sportsmanship and opportunity to engage with other athletes across New Jersey and beyond. JESPY men and women participate on the following teams:
- Basketball
- Bocce, Bowling
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clients who may not be ready or do not wish to compete in league play are provided with the flexibility to participate in team practice without the commitment to full schedule travel to sporting events.
Special Olympics
For more than 20 years, JESPY House has been proud to be a participant in the Special Olympics New Jersey Games. We represent the largest group of athletes in Essex County and continue to be successful in many events, with a long history of excellence in athletics.
In March 2019, JESPY client Jane Clark won several medals (bronze, silver) and 4th place in singles at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. She competed in the sport of bowling. Jane also won a Gold medal at the Special Olympics – Area 6 competition in New Jersey.
During the Special Olympics NJ 2026 Summer Games, held at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ, a total of 49 JESPY athletes participated, supported by 14 dedicated coaches and chaperones throughout the weekend.
Competing in bocce, tennis, track & field, and softball, JESPY athletes delivered impressive performances across all events. The softball team earned 13 gold medals, while the bocce team captured 2 gold and 6 silver medals. Track & field athletes brought home 7 gold, 7 silver, and 10 bronze medals, and the tennis team added 2 gold, 2 silver, and 10 bronze medals to the tally. By the end of the competition, JESPY athletes had won an extraordinary total of 59 medals: 24 gold, 15 silver, and 20 bronze medals.
In addition, three JESPY clients represented Team New Jersey at the 2026 USA Games in Minnesota, winning medals in volleyball and flag football.
Tico’s Gym at the JESPY Clubhouse
JESPY’s new program space at 15 Valley Street in South Orange has been named “Tico’s Gym at The JESPY Clubhouse” to honor the memory of Albert “Tico” Shikiar, the late husband of JESPY board member, Suki Marsh Shikiar.
Marrying his passion for JESPY with his interest in healthy living, donations made in memory of Albert have supported the establishment of Tico’s Gym at The JESPY Clubhouse.
The facility is the ‘home base’ for JESPY’s Fitness and Wellness Education and Support and Nutritional Counseling program, which include small group fitness workshops, individual fitness sessions, nutrition information, lifestyle wellness activities and Special Olympics sports. Tico’s Gym also has designated program space for interactive and educational activities. Sessions, which are one (1) hour in length, are offered daily. JESPY clients participate 1-3 times per week.
Daily precautions (which include frequent hand-washing and sterilization of all equipment) are taken to provide clients with a safe environment to socialize with their peers and learn various healthy lifestyle modifications.
Tico’s Gym is also open to the general public. For additional information about Tico’s, email Kevin Barton at kbarton@jespy.org.
To learn more about the Athletics & Fitness program or to schedule an interview with JESPY's Admissions Coordinator, call (973) 762-6909 Ext. 302, email intake@jespy.org, or click the Contact Us button below.
Tico’s Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 10am – 7pm. Saturdays are available upon request.