How will I know if my son/daughter/family member was selected to compete in USA Games?
Athlete and Unified partner selections were made in July 2021. All selected members of Team Tennessee have been notified.
How will my child/family member travel to Orlando?
Team Tennessee will travel as a group by airplane to Orlando. Supervision will be provided by coaches and SOTN staff.
What does my child/family member need to bring to Orlando?
Athletes and Unified partners will need a government-issued ID (identification card, driver's license or passport) that is valid through at least the end of June 2022. Athletes and Unified partners will be provided with uniforms and some casual wear, but they should plan on bringing their own socks, shoes, undergarments, and toiletries/personal items. A formal packing list will be sent to families closer to departure time.
Can I travel with my child/family member and the delegation? Can I stay with the delegation?
No, family members who are traveling to USA Games as spectators will need to make their own separate travel and accommodations.
Who will supervise my child/family member?
Athletes will be supervised by USA Games coaches and SOTN staff, who were interviewed and selected based on their experience with athletes, sport experience, dedication to SO, and other assets.
Where will my child/family member stay?
Team TN will be housed in a Disney resort hotel (either All Star Sports Resort or All Star Music Resort). Athletes will be roomed with other athletes from Tennessee.
Can I stay with my competing family member?
No. Team TN will be housed together along with the other delegations from other states at a Disney hotel. Family members will need to make their own accommodations at a separate hotel, as the teams hotel will be fully booked out. 2022SpecialOlympicsUSAGames.org has a list of partner hotels where you might find a discount on room rates.
Where will the sports competitions take place?
Many sports will compete at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Bocce (Disney's Coronado Springs Resort), bowling (Boardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center), golf (Orange County National Golf Center), swimming (Rosen Aquatic Center), and tennis (USTA National Campus) will take place off-site.
In Orlando, can I take my child/family member out to dinner or to an activity?
Athletes and Unified partners can be "checked out" to family members during certain limited time periods during the Games. Arrangements will need to be made with the athlete's USA Games coach.
What transportation options are available to me in Orlando?
Check with your hotel to see if they provide transportation. Rental cars are another great option. Family members will not be able to be transported with Team TN.
Why should I register for the USA Games Family & Friends Program?
Registered family and friends will have access to an Opening Ceremony ticket, a special evening at Walt Disney World, a souvenir credential and lanyard, discounts at local businesses, and more. Visit 2022SpecialOlympicsUSAGames.org for more info.
Can I watch my child compete without purchasing the official USA Games Family & Friends package?
Yes. Access to the sports venues is free and open to spectators. A ticket is required to attend Opening Ceremony - individual tickets can be purchased when they are made available to the public (likely in April 2022).