Medalist basks in honors, hometown pride Township honors Special Olympian for achievements BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer HAZLET - Though not as flashy as the silver and bronze medals he recently won, Mike McGrath received a declaration and plaque on Nov.1 for his achievements. McGrath, who recently returned from a successful trip to Shanghai, China for the Special Olympics World Games Oct. 2-11, was read the declaration by state Sen. Joseph Kyrillos and received a plaque from Hazlet Mayor James DiNardo. Joined by several of his teammates at the Hazlet Township Committee meeting, McGrath, a longdistance runner, stood in front of the people in attendance listening to the proclamations with a giant smile on his face. His parents sat in the crowd cheering their son on. "We are just so very proud of him," Jim McGrath, Michael's father, said. "We've been able to travel the world and watch him compete and succeed." Kyrillos came to the meeting to honor McGrath's achievements and spoke about how proud he is of the 29-year-old. "I'm sure you are all proud of this guy as well," Kyrillos said. "He was one of a handful of people from the state of New Jersey to join all the great athletes from around America to compete in Shanghai. It is a great honor that he comes from our area, our township, and represented us so well." As one of 14 members representing New Jersey, McGrath won a silver medal in the 1500 meters and a bronze in the team event, the 4x400. With another past medalist, Michael Jordan, as his favorite athlete, McGrath enjoyed competing on a grand scale and greatly appreciated the hospitality of the people in China. "Everyone in China was very nice," McGrath said. "My favorite part was that they made me dumplings. It was a lot of fun." While McGrath was praising China, the dignitaries in attendance were praising his performance. "What these kids do is something that is to be commended," Kyrillos said. "These events are what help forge strong bonds between people around the world." DiNardo spoke after Kyrillos and repeated the same sentiment as the senator. "It is an honor to have a medalist in our town," DiNardo said. "We all appreciate what you have done." McGrath is now back to training four to five days a week to get ready to compete in the 2011 World Games. From Hazlet to Tennessee to train and then to Shanghai to compete, he prepares for his next trip in four years, Greece.