Her muscles may be naturally weakened, but no one can question the strength
of Anita Licata.
"I am so proud of my daughter," Jessica Licata said. "She's exceeded all of
my expectations. She's always positive. She's always a team player."
Anita Licata, an East Brunswick resident, is also someone that has represented the United States at the World Games a little over a decade ago, winning two gold medals and a bronze. She has also taken on administrative work, with two three-year terms on a Special Olympics board. She's done fundraising for Special Olympics.
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Anita Licata has given a lot to Special Olympics. According to her, she's gotten even more back.
"Being part of Special Olympics is an honor and a privilige," Anita said. "I enjoy every single thing there is about Special Olympics. I would be lost without Special Olympics."
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Before she came in contact with Special Olympics, there was a time when Jessica Licata was feeling lost. Her daughter was neuorlogically impaired with weak muscles. As Anita got older, it became more difficult to find the proper care for her.
"Anything she does, it takes twice as much effort because of her weakened muscle condition," Mrs. Licata said. "For her to succeed in anything was a huge challenge, but she did it."
The Licatas found a school in Somerset County that could meet Anita's needs. At the age of 15, she started competing in Special Olympics in track and field. She now specializes in swimming, which is the sport she won her medals at the World Games.
This past weekend at the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games, Anita Licata competed in the 4x50 freestyle relay, the the 4x25 medley relay and the
100 individual medley.
"Special Olympics is so much more than just competiton," Anita said. "It's
making friends and achieving your goals. It's a wonderful thing.
"I get to it with my mom (who serves as the assistant coach of the Somerset
Stingrays, Anita's swimming team). She gets to help me. She gets to see me
receive an award."
Obviously, Jessica Licata feels the same way about Special Olympics as her
daughter.
"Carol (Croll) and I were asked to take over the team and we're loving
every minute of it," Mrs. Licata said. "I couldn't be prouder of all my
athletes. They are just amazing."
Anyone wishing to learn more about Special Olympics New Jersey can call
609-896-8000 or go to the Web site at www.sonj.org. Consider it officially endorsed by the Licata family.
