Board 33 Officials Lend Heart and Whistles to Special Olympics

Submitted by Richard L. Smith on Wed, 09/10/2025 - 5:58am

Good Wednesday Board 33 family, there’s something special that happens when the game of basketball goes beyond the hardwood. 

This past spring, our Board 33 referees once again stepped up in a big way, lending their time, energy, and love for the game to the 2025 Special Olympics season. 

According to a statement released by my Board 33 colleague and Special Olympics Chairman Mr. Al Taliaferro, over the course of the season, more than 50 of our officials volunteered, many working game after game, week after week, to make sure these athletes had a fair, safe, and unforgettable experience. 

From Clifton to Old Bridge, and all the way down to Wildwood for the Spring Festival of Sports, Board 33 was there. Alongside officials from Boards 34, 193, 194, and 196, our team helped cover seven courts and seventy-five games in one weekend alone, capping off an incredible twelve-week season. 

What stood out most wasn’t just the hustle on the floor, it was the joy. Athletes handed out hugs and high-fives. Parents stopped to shake hands and thank us for being there. 

The Special Olympics of New Jersey treated our referees like family, even providing dinner and small tokens of appreciation in Wildwood. But truth be told, the biggest reward was being a part of these moments, watching young people compete with heart and determination. 

This year, I personally wasn’t able to get down there, and I’ll admit, YES, it stung. Hearing the stories, seeing the pictures, and knowing the difference our officials made, it hit me that I missed something bigger than basketball. 

So, I’m making it my business to be on that floor next year, and I hope more of our brothers and sisters from Board 33 will do the same. Committee Chair Al Taliaferro put it best, these athletes, their families, and their coaches pour everything into this. 

All they ask of us is a little time, a whistle, and a commitment to fairness. In return, they give us a reminder of why we fell in love with this game in the first place.