Written By Karim Shamsi-Basha | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Peter Poole, bottom right in neon green shorts, joined his teammates on Saturday, Jan. 11, to celebrate their gold medal win in floor hockey during the 2025 Winter Games of Special Olympics New Jersey at Absegami High School in Galloway Township, New Jersey. Karim Shamsi-Basha
Much like a swan glides over still waters, Peter Poole skipped over the floor hockey rink’s surface with agility and finesse on Saturday, passing defenders and driving the puck toward the goal.
Poole, 33, and his teammates were competing in the 2025 Winter Games of Special Olympics New Jersey at Absegami High School in Galloway. His team, The Cherry Hill Bulldogs, won Saturday’s floor hockey game against the Cherry Hill Cougars with a score of 7-2, then went on to win the gold medal.
I’ve been playing sports since my high school Unified program in 2012, and I’ve competed with the Special Olympics ever since,” Poole of Cherry Hill said after the winning game, where he scored a goal.
“I love being around athletes with disabilities like me. I have autism and ADHD,” he added. “I may have a disability, but during these games, my spirit is high, and my heart is full. And the other athletes also bring me a lot of heart.”
Pool and his teammates were among over 300 athletes of all ages on 25 teams competing in a two-day tournament for Floor Hockey and Volleyball.
Special Olympics New Jersey is a nonprofit that aims to provide sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. All programs are free, including insurance, facilities, equipment, uniforms, housing and meals. In addition to programs offered at the local, county, sectional and state levels, Special Olympics New Jersey offers athletes free participation in all activities at the Sports Complex in Lawrenceville.
Jeremy Davis, director of marketing with Special Olympics New Jersey, said Special Olympics New Jersey provides the sports programs with donations from corporate sponsors and fundraising programs, including the polar plunge.
It’s work the Special Olympics does because of its commitment to people with disabilities.
“We don’t see their disability. We see their ability,” Davis said. “Our athletes come from all walks of life and from all races and ethnicities. They are so inspiring to me and all the people who are moved by their passion for these games.”
After Saturday’s game, Poole congratulated his teammates, and they gathered for a group photo. Then, horseplay ensued as they wrestled around. Anne Poole, Peter’s mother, watched with a smile.
“Peter has a wonderful spirit with his teammates, and he loves them so much,” Anne Poole said. “I am so proud of his sportsmanship.”
Poole is the oldest of four, and to his siblings and parents, he has blossomed by participating in the various sports of Special Olympics New Jersey.
“Peter’s life has been a journey, and it wasn’t always easy,” Anne Poole said. “He didn’t have friends for a long time, but with the Special Olympics, he found a place where he met his peers. He loves to build other people up, and he doesn’t see disability. He only sees a human being and a teammate.”
The coach of the Cherry Hills Bulldogs is Peter Poole’s dad, Pete Poole. “I watch these athletes compete, and it’s absolutely amazing to see their dedication to the game and to each other. My son is a perfect example of that caring they have for one another.”
As the crowd thinned at the Absegami High School gym, Peter Poole continued to hug and congratulate the opposing team athletes.
“Winning is not what’s important,” Poole said with a big grin. “I was raised to show what’s really important, good sportsmanship on and off the field.”
The Special Olympics New Jersey Winter Games will continue in February with alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing in Vernon township.