Brick, NJ – Brick Township has been awarded a Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities grant in the amount of $20,000 from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.  The grant will be used to fund Brick Township’s Challenger Program for special needs children and teenagers.

“Our Challenger Program is one of the best things we do.  Our Challenger kids have become a family and these programs have become an important part of their lives,” said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis.  “I am glad that the State restored some of our funding to help us continue this program.”

The grant, which will fund next year’s programs, is an $8,000 increase from current year funding, but is $25,000 less than the funding of 2006 and 2007.  The Township received $45,000 a year in each of those years for the programs.

“This is an example of declining revenues that are putting a greater strain on our taxpayers,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “These programs mean too much to the Challenger kids and their families to take them away.”

The grant will fund the 2009 Challenger Summer Camp and Teens on the Go Program.  The Brick Recreation Department offers a five-week summer day camp experience for children ages 5 – 12 with mild to moderate physical and/or cognitive disabilities.  The camp provides children the chance to interact and socialize with their peers in a recreational setting with no focus on academics.  Activities at the camp include games, organized play, arts and crafts, and field trips. 

Teens on the Go, this is an extension of the Challenger program for young adults ages 12 and up.  Teens on the Go activities include dances and trips to Blackbeard’s Cave, Combat Sports Laser Tag, Deep Sea Fishing, Medieval Times, and NJ Nets.

“The Council supports the Challenger Program because we know how important it is to provide these young people with recreational programs and activities,” said Council President Ruthanne Scaturro.  “It is good to see the state step up and give us more money towards these programs.  Hopefully, they will give even more next year.”

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