WEST MILFORD This week West Milford resident Kerry Babcock hopes to bring home the gold. She is representing the State of New Jersey at the first ever Special Olympics USA National Games, being held in Ames, Iowa. The 20-year old is part of a 61-member team from New Jersey. She will compete is two aquatic events the 50 meter backstroke and the 50 meter freestyle. Babcock has been involved with Special Olympics for 15 years. She is also a member of Meaningful Moments Dance Company, enjoys writing stories and is the treasurer of her student government. “Through Special Olympics I have learned to be a good sport, to always try my best and never give up,” she said. Babcock currently lives in Old Milford Estates, but until she was 13 she lived in the Pinecliff Lake area, and the folks from her old neighborhood are very proud. They have been flying a banner for on Cliff Road in support. Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition for the intellectually disabled. Babcock has Down syndrome. She will be among more than 3000 athletes competing in 12 sports. Prior to this year, Special Olympics competitions have occurred on the state and international level.