Miranda Mendoza and Rozana Deryas are two young ladies who are proud products of the Jersey City school system.
Mendoza is a 2015 graduate of Dickinson High School who now attends New Jersey City University and is studying psychology and sociology. Perhaps one day, Mendoza would like to become a couples counselor or work as a counselor for children.
Deryas is a junior at County Prep who competes for the swim team at Dickinson High School.
They also have something in common. They recently competed in the 2018 Team USA Special Olympics in Seattle. Mendoza competed in four different track and field events, while Deryas competed in swimming.
Mendoza, now 20 years old, has been participating in Special Olympics since she was just eight years old. She met coach Pedro Lopez when she was just five and he was coaching her older brother Miguel Anglero.
“My mom [Leonor Mendoza] found out about it and I was able to join and compete,” Mendoza said. “I always felt I could run. My brother was my biggest competition. I always wanted to do whatever he did, only better.”
Mendoza said that she always felt wanted as part of the Special Olympics program.
“It’s a family program,” Mendoza said. “We live and grow and learn together. It’s a lifestyle.”
Deryas, now 16, said that she has been swimming since she was 11 years old.
“I just fell in love with the sport,” Deryas said. “When I’m in the water, I feel relaxed and comfortable. It’s just enjoyable.”
When Deryas first got in the pool, she was a bit nervous.
“I used to be afraid,” Deryas said. “I would stay next to the wall. But my coach [Jersey City teacher Chuck McAuliffe] put me in the middle of the pool and told me I could swim. I kept practicing and practicing to get where I am today.”
Neither young lady thought that there was a chance to go to the Special Olympics in Seattle.
“To be honest, no I didn’t,” Deryas said. “To me, it was a blessing.”
“I was a little scared and nervous,” Mendoza said. “But my coaches assured me that it would be fine.”
Lopez, who drove across the country to Washington to surprise his athlete at the Special Olympics, said that he gave Mendoza a simple message.
“I told her that I just wanted for her to have fun,” said Lopez, who also teaches in the Jersey City school system, teaching sciences. “Even if she didn’t win, I was still going to be very proud of her.”
“I cried when I saw them [Lopez and her mother],” Mendoza said. “I was speechless.”
Mendoza was third in the running long jump and earned medals in the javelin and 4×100-meter relay. Deryas was solid in the freestyle swim competition.
“I liked the Opening Ceremonies and I liked competing,” Deryas said. “I met a lot of new athletes and I was trading pins with them. The Special Olympics is all about sportsmanship. It was a really cool experience. I told myself that if I didn’t win a medal, it was okay. Just getting to Seattle was an accomplishment and a blessing. It was a really great experience and I can’t wait until the next one, when I can compete again.”
Mendoza just took in the entire atmosphere.
“It really didn’t hit me until I was on the track,” Mendoza said. “I said to myself, ‘Wow, I’m actually here.’ I was competing against people who were like me. I was so excited when I got my medal the first day.”
Deryas has lofty goals for next year.
“I really hope to go to Dubai for the World Games,” Deryas said.
Mendoza was more than thrilled to be able to go to Seattle.
“It was more than just a thrill,” Mendoza said. “It was an honor. I know I did my best and that’s all that matters. Pedro knows that I was just being myself. We’ve really grown together. Pedro is like a father figure to me, like we’re father/daughter. He’s really guided me in the right path and that’s all anyone can ask for.”
Mendoza said that she was floored when she looked into the stands and saw Lopez sitting with her mother.
“It was an amazing experience,” Mendoza said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing. I’m just so grateful. I don’t know where my life would be like without Special Olympics. I’ve met so many great people. There’s really nothing to compare it to. My mom has supported me throughout. Without her, I know I’d never be in Special Olympics.”
Lopez said that he has “been grooming Miranda” to become an assistant coach with his Roadrunners’ Special Olympian track and field program.
“We want to help others to find out about it and make a better life for others,” Lopez said.
Sure looks like Special Olympics has reached its goal with these two special young ladies from Jersey City.
Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com. You can also read Jim’s blog at www.jimhaguesports.blogspot.com.
