Thousands of athletes will compete and showcase inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.
From athletic competitions to health screenings and fundraising events, we have the perfect volunteer opportunity for you.
Community, dignity and joy are what matters most
Finding a volunteer home with Train 4 Life and golf
Being part of Special Olympics has been one of his most fulfilling experiences
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About Us
Special Olympics is a movement built on inclusion, where every person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability. We are helping make the world a better, healthier, and more joyful place through the power of sport.-
Our Mission
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. -
Meet Our Team
Committed to delivering top-notch sports competitions and various experiences for individuals with intellectual disabilities, our team is devoted to advancing the mission of Special Olympics throughout the state of Tennessee. The shared objective of the Special Olympics Tennessee (SOTN) staff is to provide sports and programs that empower athletes to acquire new skills, lead healthy lifestyles, and actively engage in their communities. Feel free to reach out to us for additional information or with any inquiries -
Special Events
Special Olympics Tennessee hosts several fundraising events throughout the year to help support the more than 18,000 athletes in the state of Tennessee. We hope you can join us for any of our special events as a participant or volunteer. -
News
Our athletes are making headlines! Read below for stories of empowerment, inclusion, hope and respect within Special Olympics Tennessee and the broader Special Olympics global community.For media inquiries, please contact Justin Bradford at jbradford@specialolympicstn.org. View our press kit here.Click here for the 2034 Special Olympics USA Games Digital Press Kit. -
Our Partners
Active across the state, reaching more than 18,000 athletes and volunteers, Special Olympics Tennessee is a movement that changes lives. Our Programs succeed in building advocacy networks, transforming lives, and creating a lasting positive impact.
Corporate partnerships with Special Olympics Tennessee strengthen partners' brand value, engage employees, build consumer loyalty and promote business objectives while helping us deliver our mission. We offer partnership packages at various levels and have opportunities to support in various ways to help raise awareness and fund the movement, ultimately strengthening the company and employees along the way.
Join Special Olympics Tennessee in supporting our mission to provide athletic training and competition to over 18,000 athletes in the state.
For information on becoming a partner, please contact Trevor Spathelf, Development Manager, at tspathelf@specialolympicstn.org.
Stay in Touch
Get the latest updates from Special Olympics Tennessee sent right to your inbox!Upcoming Events
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2025 Cheerleading State Invitational
Knoxville, TNUnified "Game Day" Cheerleading. Middle and High School. Contact Colby Coulter for more information - ccoulter@tssaa.org -
2025 State Soccer
Williamson County Soccer Outdoor ComplexTraditional 5-a-side and Unified 7-a-side Team Competition. Please email Jeff Hares at jhares@specialolympicstn.org to learn more.
Become An Athlete
Special Olympics Tennessee (SOTN) offers sports training and competition in 16 Olympic-style sports to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Individuals eight years old and up can compete in local and state competitions. The Young Athletes program is available for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 2-7
Polar Plunge
2026 registration opening soon!
Become A Volunteer
Special Olympics Tennessee would not exist today and could not have been created without the time, energy, and dedication of thousands of volunteers.
Inclusive Health & Wellness
Tennessee offers 7 different and free Healthy Athletes screenings and health education throughout the year.
Beyond Sports
Our reach extends beyond the playing field! Sport, health, and education programming enriches the lives of more than 18,000 participating athletes. -
Our Mission
Latest Blogs
Jimmy Clark Leads With Purpose and Pushes for Visibility in Special Olympics
From training to media, Clark has big dreams for growing the movement
2 Min Read
Law Enforcement Torch Run Officers Serve at Tip-A-Cop
Serving with Purpose for Special Olympics
2 Min Read
Mother and Son Help Kickstart Special Olympics Soccer Jamboree
The Wiggins family hopes soccer takes off in Clarksville
2 Min Read
Learning While Leading: How Mentorship Transforms Lives
Doug Hanna’s Story of Heart and Leadership
1 Min Read
Unified Pair From Maury County Have Big Goals for the Future
With limited time before moving on, the pair hope to qualify for Nationals
2 Min Read
Unified Partners From Anderson County Enjoy Flag Football Experience
The Music City Blitz Invitational offered an incredible opportunity to compete in an NFL stadium
1 Min Read
Make a Difference
Please donate and help us get one more athlete onto the playing field.
Unified Champion Schools
The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change.
Special Olympics Tennessee
Our reach extends across Tennessee and brings sport, health and education programs to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
16
Sports Offered
36
Area Programs
18,000
Registered Athletes
A Special Thanks to Our Partners
Publix
UnitedHealthcare
