Last week, the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games came to a dramatic close with a ceremony at the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, New Jersey.
The 2014 Special Olympics USA Games was the largest national games undertaking ever in the United States and included sixteen different competitions at ten different locations around New Jersey. The athletes were supported by 1,000 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and over 70,000 spectators.
WWE Superstars took part in the games throughout the week. WWE.com sat down with Games Chairman and CEO TJ Nelligan to discuss the Special Olympics, the Olympics games, the partnership between the Special Olympics and the WWE, the amazing athletes and the incredible support received from not only celebrities but the country as a whole.
The discussion turned to the WWE’s involvement in the games and the interviewer asked if Nelligan recalled any specific stories regarding the athletes and WWE Superstars. Nelligan recalled two such instances involving The Big Show and The Rock where WWE wrestlers made a huge impact on the lives of Special Olympic athletes.
WWE.COM: Do any other special moments with WWE Superstars come to mind?
NELLIGAN: Big Show. He’s awesome. And they go crazy for Big Show. I got to know him a little bit, and he just exudes stardom when the athletes see him. One athlete from Arkansas came up to me and said, “I’m on the board of directors for Special Olympics Arkansas, and I know that you’re the man.” He poked me in the chest and said, “Get me Big Show. I need to meet Big Show. Make it happen!”
At WrestleMania at the MetLife Stadium when we announced the partnership, an athlete named Ashley Weber was talking to me about three hours before the show saying, “I just want to meet The Rock.” And here comes The Rock walking toward her behind her back. I looked up and said, “You really want to meet The Rock?” He tapped her on the shoulder and she was in shock. She put her hand out to shake his hand, and he said, “Oh no, we don’t shake hands here. We hug.” And she wouldn’t let go.
Do you smell what The Rock is cooking? I can’t. I’m crying too hard.
[via WWE.com]