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News

Our athletes are making headlines! Read below for stories of empowerment, inclusion, hope and respect within Special Olympics Tennessee and the wider Special Olympics global community.

For media inquiries, please contact Justin Bradford at [email protected]. View our press kit here.

Organizational News

Special Olympics Tennessee Winter Games Begin This Sunday in Gatlinburg

Events will include alpine skiing, snowboarding and speed-skating at Ober Mountain, 3v3 basketball at Rocky Top Sports World and a Fitness Combine at Gatlinburg Convention Center

Special Olympics Tennessee State Flag Football Tournament To Take Place Saturday

Over 600 athletes and Unified Partners from across Tennessee set to participate this weekend in Nashville

19 Athletes, Unified Partners, Caddies and Coaches to Represent Tennessee at Special Olympics North America Golf Championship

The 22nd Annual Special Olympics North America Golf Championship to be held in Galloway, NJ

Special Olympics Tennessee State Summer Games Begins Friday; Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel To Speak

Over 800 athletes and Unified Partners from across Tennessee set to participate this weekend in Nashville

Special Olympics Tennessee Winter Games To Celebrate 36th Anniversary

Ober Mountain to host skiing, snowboarding and speed skating athletes in annual Winter Games

Five Tennesseans Named to Special Olympics USA Team

201 Athletes, Coaches and Staff to Represent the United States at Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 including five from Tennessee

Special Olympics Tennessee and Publix Super Markets Unite Again for Torch Icon Campaign Benefiting Thousands of Special Olympics Athletes

Publix Super Markets and Special Olympics Tennessee continue their mission-driven partnership bringing awareness and funding to thousands of Special Olympics athletes in Tennessee and throughout the Southeast

Special Olympics Tennessee to Host State Flag Football Tournament

Event to be held for first time since 2019 and will feature over 200 athletes and Unified Partners

Special Olympics Tennessee to Host Regional Flag Football Invitational at University of Tennessee RecSports Fields

Over 100 Special Olympics Tennessee (SOTN) athletes representing six counties will compete in the East Tennessee Regional Flag Football Invitational

Harpeth High School Students Named as Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassadors

Copeland and Romines join 12 other U.S. Youth Ambassadors with and without intellectual disabilities

Special Olympics Tennessee to Host First State Summer Games Since 2019

Over 600 athletes from across Tennessee set to participate this weekend in Nashville

Team Tennessee Participates in Weekend USA Games Training Camp Event

Last weekend, Team Tennessee participated in a 2-day training camp in preparation for their June trip to Orlando for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games!
1 Min Read

Meet Team Tennessee

138 Athletes, Unified Partners and Coaches heading to Orlando for 2022 USA Games.
1 Min Read

In The News

News Stories Featuring Special Olympics Tennessee

April 2024

WBIR Knoxville - April 25, 2024
Tellico Village athletes teach Special Olympians how to play pickleball

WBIR Knoxville - April 22, 2024
Law enforcement officers carry torch over 2 miles to Powell High School to support Tennessee Special Olympics

WVLT Knoxville - April 22, 2024
Special Olympics creates a spot for competition and friendship for nonverbal student

WVLT Knoxville - April 21, 2024
Farragut Intermediate School students receive large sendoff to Special Olympics

WSMV Nashville - April 21, 2024
Athletes compete in Special Olympics swim regional

Nashville Business Journal - April 18, 2024
Nashville eyes Special Olympics 2030, state and local support

Nashville Scene - April 18, 2024
Nashville to Bid for Special Olympics 2030 Host City

Nashville Post - April 18, 2024
Nashville to bid for Special Olympics 2030 host city

WVLT 8 Knoxville - April 17, 2024
Pickleball Playground offering all-inclusive classes for those wanting to learn

WKRN Nashville - April 17, 2024
Newsmaker: Special Olympics TN Share the Spotlight gala

WVLT 8 Knoxville - April 11, 2024
A labor of love for those at the Area 15 Special Olympics

The Rogersville Review - April 10, 2024
PHOTO GALLERY: Area 32 hosts bocce competition

WSMV Today in Nashville - April 2, 2024
Nashville SC and Special Olympics Tennessee Talk Nashville SC Unified Team

March 2024

Sumner Source - March 28, 2024
Nashville SC Announces 2024 Special Olympics Unified Team Roster

Main Street Media - March 28, 2024
Special Olympics Giles County Will Hold Spring Games April 2

Williamson Source - March 28, 2024
Nashville SC Announces 2024 Special Olympics Unified Team Roster

Nashville SC - March 27, 2024
Nashville SC Announces 2024 Special Olympics Unified Team Roster

Tennessee Titans - March 25, 2024
Special Olympics Music City Blitz | Community Photos

Gallatin News - March 20, 2024
Special Olympics announce Spring Games

Rogersville Review - March 20, 2024
Special partnership making tangible difference

WKRN Nashville - March 17, 2024
'Music City Blitz' benefits Special Olympics Tennessee

News Channel 5 - March 17, 2024
Annual Music City Blitz flag football tournament returns to Nissan Stadium

The Mountain Press - March 13, 2024
A Special Partnership for Whole Health and Athletic Excellence

Williamson County Source - March 8, 2024
Special Olympics Tennessee State Basketball Tournament This Weekend

Dickson County Source - March 8, 2024
Special Olympics Tennessee State Basketball Tournament This Weekend

Rogersville Review - March 8, 2024
Area 32 Special Olympics Tennessee seeks sponsors

WGNS Radio - March 7, 2024
Volunteers Needed for Local Special Olympics Events to Fill the Stands

Greeneville Sun - March 6, 2024
Chuckey-Doak High School Recognized By Special Olympics Tennessee

Main Street Maury - March 6, 2024
Maury County Polar Plunge raises $13K for Special Olympics

February 2024

WKRN Nashville - February 24, 2024
Music City Polar Plunge: News 2 employees take a cold dip for a good cause

The Columbia Herald - February 23, 2024
Things to do: Yard sales, polar plunges, pajama parties, Gumbo Sunday - Columbia Daily Herald

WPLN This Is Nashville - February 21, 2024
Special Olympics Tennessee offers year-round programs to athletes

WJHL Tri-Cities - February 18, 2024
Dozens participate in Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics

The Rogersville Review - February 17, 2024
Local athletes shine at Winter Games

Cheatham County Exchange - February 6, 2024
2024 Cheatham County Schools State of the District Breakfast highlights “Better Together” initiatives

Maury County Source - February 6, 2024
Maury Special Olympics Polar Plunge on February 25

WJHL Tri-Cities - February 5, 2024
Next stop Italy for Special Olympics snowboarder

Wilson County Source - February 2, 2024
Wilson Special Olympics Polar Plunge to Take Place on February 3

Essentially Sports - February 2, 2024
Special Olympics Tennessee: Physical Therapy Students Lead Health Screenings at Special Event

January 2024

WVLT Knoxville - January 30, 2024
Athlete celebrates more than 10 years of competing at Special Olympics Tennessee

The Daily Times - January 30, 2024
Wellpoint partners with Special Olympics Tennessee

The Mountain Press - January 30, 2024
Polar Plunge, Torch Run Support Special Olympics

The Mountain Press - January 29, 2024
Special Olympics Tennessee holds Winter Games

WATE Knoxville - January 29, 2024
Polar plunge raises funds for Special Olympic Games

WATE Knoxville - January 29, 2024
Special Olympics Tennessee Winter Games continue in Gatlinburg

WVLT Knoxville - January 28, 2024
Special Olympics Tennessee set for largest games ever

WBIR Knoxville - January 26, 2024
Special Olympics Tennessee hosting annual winter games in Gatlinburg on Sunday

The Rogersville Review - January 26, 2024
Special Olympics Tennessee Winter Games begin Sunday

TSSAA - January 25, 2024
Kingsport school rallies in support of its inaugural Unified Bowling team

The Mountain Press - January 25, 2024
Special Olympics Tennessee Winter Games begins Sunday in Gatlinburg

WATE Knoxville - January 24, 2024
Special Olympics Tennessee Winter Games to begin in Gatlinburg

WBBJ Jackson - January 22, 2024
Sports card show raises funds for local Special Olympics athletes

WSMV Today in Nashville - January 18, 2024
Special Olympics Tennessee Talks Polar Plunges

WJHL Tri-Cities - January 17, 2024
Dobyns Bennett Unified Bowling Team prepares for State competition

WKRN News 2 Nashville - January 3, 2024
Newsmaker: Cheatham County polar plunge

WBBJ Jackson - January 3. 2024
Sports card show benefiting local Special Olympics coming to Martin

The Mountain Press - January 2, 2024
Take a plunge and support Special Olympics Tennessee

WVLT Knoxville - January 2, 2024
Pigeon Forge to host Special Olympics Tennessee 2024 Polar Plunge

December 2023

WJHL Tri-Cities - December 29, 2023
Local athlete to represent Tennessee in Special Olympics World Winter Games

WGN Radio - December 26, 2023
22nd Annual Polar Bear Plunge Heats Up Murfreesboro for a Cool Cause

On Target News - December 26, 2023
Tip a Cop Event Raises Money for Special Olympics Tennessee

ESPN - December 17, 2023
Titans honor former TE Frank Wycheck with helmet sticker

AP - December 17, 2023
Titans honor late 3-time Pro Bowl tight end Frank Wycheck with helmet sticker

Herald Chronicle - December 16, 2023
Lu Lu’s, law enforcement team up for good cause

Nashville.com - December 13, 2023
Dustin Lynch & Friends Raise 40,000 For Great Causes

WCYB News 5 Tri-Cities - December 3, 2023
KCS leading the charge in unified athletics with new bowling program

November 2023

The Rogersville Review - November 21, 2023
Shots of the Week: Area 32 hosts Special Olympics bowling

Gallatin News - November 13, 2023
GFD claims Battle of the Badges title

News Channel 11 - November 13, 2023
Dobyns-Bennett starts ‘Unified Bowling Team’ as part of new special education athletics program

WKRN News 2 Nashville - November 11, 2023
Gallatin Fire Dept. wins Sumner County Battle of the Badges

October 2023

Herald Chronicle - October 24, 2023
Franklin County Leads Torch Run Fundraising

Gallatin News - October 23, 2023
2nd annual Battle of the Badges is Nov. 11

PlayVS - October 19, 2023
Special Olympics North America and PlayVS Are Proud to Celebrate the Adoption of Unified Esports Competition

WKRN News 2 Nashville - October 17, 2023
Wine & Dine event to benefit Special Olympics Tennessee

Lebanon Democrat - October 11, 2023
Golden moments of fun

WJHL Johnson City - October 10, 2023
Johnson City, Kingsport Texas Roadhouse host Tip-A-Cop fundraiser

WBIR Knoxville - October 10, 2023
THP troopers arrive at restaurants across East TN as part of 'Tip-A-Cop' event, raising money for Special Olympics

WJHL Johnson City - October 10, 2023
Johnson City, Kingsport Texas Roadhouse to host Tip-A-Cop fundraiser Tuesday

Williamson Source - October 10, 2023
Texas Roadhouse to Host Statewide Tip-A-Cop Benefitting Special Olympics Tennessee

WVLT Knoxville - October 9, 2023
Tennessee troopers raising money for Special Olympics

The Chronicle of Mt. Juliet - October 9, 2023
Family duo wins international golf tournament

News Channel 9 Chattanooga - October 5, 2023
Cleveland High School student wins gold in golf at Special Olympics

WATE Knoxville - October 5, 2023
East Tennessee police officers to raise money for Special Olympics by waiting tables

The Rogersville Review - October 3, 2023
Local athletes shine in Special Olympics Tennessee Flag Football Invitational

September 2023

Knox TN Today - September 27, 2023
Powell High School earns recognition

Daily Post Athenian - September 20, 2023
Ryan Triplett wins state goal for fifth straight year, first at level 5

Knoxville News Sentinel - September 20, 2023
Karns athletes prove Special Olympics are for everyone

WSMV Nashville - September 14, 2023
Football time in Tennessee: Special Olympics flag football tournament set for Saturday

Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance - September 13, 2023
Community Partner Spotlight: Dr. Natalee Kamau and the Special Olympics of Tennessee

Cheatham County Exchange - September 12, 2023
Cheatham schools recognized for inclusion efforts

The Tennessean - September 11, 2023
First in Tennessee: Learn how Cheatham County Schools gained special recognition

WBIR Knoxville - September 9, 2023
'It's about increasing the inclusion' | Special Olympians compete in flag football in West Knoxville

Cheatham County School District - September 8, 2023
CCSD named a Unified Champion District

WSMV Nashville - September 7, 2023
Cheatham County Schools recognized by Special Olympics for inclusivity

August 2023

The Daily Post Athenian - August 27, 2023
Ryan Triplett receives draw for Special Olympics North America tournament

On Target News - August 13, 2023
Tip-A-Cop in Franklin County Sets State Record for Special Olympics Tennessee

July 2023

Williamson Herald - July 20
Elvis Presley tribute artist with Down syndrome shares his passion, overcoming adversity

The Mountain Press - July 19
Sevier County Special Olympians excel at the East Tennessee Regional golf tournament

News Channel 5 - July 19
Blue suede and bowling shoes: One local Elvis tribute artist bowls a perfect game

Daily Post Athenian - July 16
Ryan Triplett third in East Tennessee Regional at level 5

The Expositor - July 14, 2023
Sparta coach represents USA at Special Olympics World Games

June 2023

Business Wire - June 28, 2023
Delta Dental of Tennessee Introduces Enhanced Special Health Care Needs Benefit

Daily Memphian - June 19, 2023
Elwood’s Shack owner’s Texas tomatoes raise money for Special Olympics

The Mountain Press - June 13, 2023
Rockwood Civitan donates $2,300 to Roane Special Olympics

The Daily Post Athenian - June 6, 2023
Ryan Triplett finishes second in East Tennessee Open at level 5

WGNS Radio - June 5, 2023
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation (Spring Fling & Special Olympics Recap, Summer Camps and Juneteenth)

May 2023

NewsChannel 5 - May 21, 2023
Special Olympics Tennessee unites athletes at annual Summer Games

NewsChannel 5 - May 19, 2023
Special Olympics Tennessee's State Summer Games returns, showcasing athletes from across the Volunteer State

Today In Nashville - May 19, 2023
The Special Olympics start Friday at Lipscomb University

NewsChannel 5 - May 19, 2023
Looking for something fun to attend this weekend? Head to the Special Olympics Tennessee State Summer Games!

WKRN News 2 - May 18, 2023
Newsmaker: Law enforcement torch run

WJHL News Channel 11 - May 10, 2023
Johnson City Police kick off area Special Olympics with annual Torch Run

WBIR 10 News - May 8, 2023
Campbell County hosts first Special Olympics event in 20 years

CDC - May 1, 2023
CDC and Special Olympics: Inclusive Health

Exceptional Parent Magazine - May 2023
Two Billion Steps Later, Athletes Continue Leading the Way on the Road to Fitness

April 2023

ABC 24 Memphis - April 26, 2023
Memphis Special Olympian works for Grizzlies, appears in movie

Clarksville Now - April 22, 2023
Clarksville Police serve diners in Tip-A-Cop for Special Olympics

Clarksville Now - April 19, 2023
Clarksville O’Charley’s to host annual Tip-a-Cop fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics

Hendersonville Standard - April 18, 2023
Knights of Columbus fetes Special Olympics state championship team

Clarksville Now - April 14, 2023
Special Olympics track and field event hosted by Civitan at APSU Fortera Stadium

WSMV News 4 - April 10, 2023
Father Ryan High School welcomes 2023 Tennessee Special Olympics

March 2023

Cheatham County Exchange - March 28, 2023
Harpeth High recognized as Unified Champion School

Southern Standard - March 16, 2023
Big weekend for basketball

Cheatham County Exchange - March 14, 2023
Harpeth Unified Basketball Scrimmage

News Channel 5 - March 10, 20223
Special Olympics Tennessee hosts basketball tournament for the first time in 4 years

News Channel 9 - March 9, 2023
'Tip-a-Cop', Law enforcement raise money for Special Olympics Tennessee in Chattanooga

WYSH Radio - March 8, 2023
Special Olympics Fundraiser Held Monday in Campbell

News Channel 3 - March 8, 2023
Memphis man with autism makes acting debut in Woody Harrelson film

WBIR 10 News - March 6, 2023
Campbell County Special Olympics organizers raise $2,500 in new fundraiser

Chattanoogan - March 6, 2023
Local Law Enforcement Officers Support Special Olympics Through Tip-A-Cop Fundraiser At Chuy’s

Jackson Sun - March 2, 2023
PHOTOS: Polar Plunge raises money for Special Olympics on Feb. 25, 2023. in Jackson.

Mountain Press - March 1, 2023
Sevier G.O.L.F. Tournament benefits Area 33 Special Olympics

February 2023

WSMV 4 - February 26, 2023
Stefano DiPietro takes plunge to help Special Olympics

WVLT 8 - February 26, 2023
Special Olympics Tennessee hosts basketball event for the first time in years

WBIR 10 - February 25, 2023
Special Olympics host basketball tournament

WKRN News2 - February 25, 2023
A cold dip for a good cause: News 2 personalities participate in Music City Polar Plunge

WSMV 4 - February 23, 2023
Metro Police take plunge to support Special Olympics

WBIR 10 - February 18, 2023
Knoxvillians take part in polar plunge

WVLT 8 - February 18, 2023
Hundreds of people take the plunge for a good cause

Chattanooga Times Free Press - February 11, 2023
Chattanoogans take part in Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics Tennessee athletes

The Chattanoogan - February 8, 2023
Chattanooga Polar Plunge Benefitting Special Olympics Returns Saturday

Lebanon Democrat - February 7, 2023
Taking the plunge

The Exchange - February 7, 2023
Special Olympics Unified team honored for Winter Games

The Rogersville Review - February 7, 2023
Volunteer basketball teams 'Freezin' for a Reason'

The Rogersville Review - February 7, 2023
Local Special Olympics athletes excel at Winter Games

The Wilson Post - February 6, 2023
2023 Polar Plunge in Lebanon

Clarksville Now - February 4, 2023
Brave jumpers take Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics

January 2023

WATE 6 On Your Side - January 31, 2023
Special Olympics Tennessee Winter Games

WVLT 8 - January 29, 2023
Special Olympics Tennessee Winter Games return

WKRN News 2 / Local On 2 - January 26, 2023
Special Olympics Tennessee 2023 Winter Games

Local 3 News - January 20, 2023
Local athlete to represent Team USA in the 2023 Special Olympics World Games

The Chattanooga - January 29, 2023
Man From Hixson Named To Special Olympics USA Team

Murfreesboro Post - January 16, 2023
Cool in the pool

The Wilson Post - January 13, 2023
Floyd Center to host Special Olympics Regional

Local 3 News - January 5, 2023
Special Olympics TN 'returning to normal' in 2023 with multiple upcoming events

Rutherford Source - January 5, 2023
Murfreesboro Polar Bear Plunge to Benefit Special Olympics

News Channel 5 - January 7, 2023
21st annual Murfreesboro Polar Bear Plunge to benefit local Special Olympics athletes

Daily News Journal - January 8, 2023
An uplifting 'plunge' for Special Olympics

December 2022

The Daily Times - December 7, 2022
Eagleton College and Career Academy becomes Special Olympics Unified Champion School

November 2022

Herald Chronicle - November 30, 2022
Law Enforcement Torch Run held to raise money for Special Olympics

The Chattanoogan - November 18, 2022
ThROWdown For Special Olympics Tennessee Is Nov. 19

WKRN News 2 - November 11, 2022
Newsmaker: Battle of the Badges

Local 6 Paducah - November 11, 2022
Telethon of Stars: UTM Infant Stimulation gave Garrett a strong early start

Rogersville Review - November 11, 2022
Hawkins bowlers compete in Special Olympics event

October 2022

Local 3 News - October 28, 2022
SCHOOL PATROL: Chance Smith inspires Hixson Wildcat teammates

The Daily Herald - October 27, 2022
Special Olympics Tennessee hosts annual bowling tournament in Columbia

The Daily Herald - October 25, 2022
Special Olympics Bowling Tournament

The Tennessean - October 11, 2022
State school association honors local student, volunteer, board members in fall district

Southern Standard - October 6, 2022
Locals take second in Special Olympics

Cheatham County Exchange - October 5, 2022
Harpeth's Calli Copeland receives Student Recognition Award

1450 WLAF - October 3, 2022
Special Olympics returning to Campbell County; volunteers, funds needed

The Post - October 1, 2022
Cheatham County Represents in Special Olympics State Flag Football Tourney

September 2022

The Rogersville Review - September 27, 2022
Volunteer Homecoming Princess's choice for escort highlights 'culture of inclusion'

WLVT 8 Knoxville - September 26, 2022
Knoxville man hits 2 million pushup goal, sets new goal for 2.5 million

The Lebanon Democrat - September 24, 2022
The ties that bind

Daily Post Athenian - September 22, 2022
Triplett wins fourth straight state championship, first at level 4

The Rogersville Review - September 20, 2022
Cherokee bowlers qualify for Special Olympics state tournament

WBIR 10 News - September 20, 2022
Blount County Special Olympics competes in bowling for first time in two years

The Rogersville Review - September 20, 2022
Gold medal winning Team Tennessee flag football undefeated in Knoxville regional event

WBIR 10 News - September 17, 2022
Special Olympic athletes play flag football

The Mountain Press - September 14, 2022
Special Olympics is coming back to Campbell County

WBIR 10 News - September 9, 2022
KPD officer selected to represent Special Olympics Tennessee in Berlin for World Games

WVLT 8 - September 9, 2022
Knoxville police officer selected to represent Special Olympics Tennessee in Law Enforcement Torch Run

WATE 6 On Your Side - September 9,2022
Knoxville officer to represent Special Olympics TN in Berlin, 2023 World Game

August 2022

The Cheatham County Exchange - August 23, 2022
Harpeth pair named Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassadors

The Tennessean - August 22, 2022
Winning touch: Williamson County Special Olympics athletes advance to state tournament

Local 3 News - August 19, 2022
Cleveland 8th grader headed to Special Olympics State Golf Tournament

The Daily Post Athenian - August 18, 2022
Triplett wins Middle Tennessee Regional, state tournament next

The Daily News Journal - August 15, 2022
Special Olympics TN Middle Tennessee Golf Regional

WGNS Radio - August 14, 2022
Murfreesboro Welcomes TN Special Olympics Golfers

Willamson Source - August 14, 2022
Special Olympics Tennessee to Host Middle Tennessee Golf Regional in Murfreesboro

July 2022

WKRN News2 - July 31, 2022
Joe Casey, retired Metro Nashville police chief, dies at 96

WWE Community - July 28, 2022
WWE and Special Olympics Tennessee host SummerSlam Unified Basketball Tournament: photos

The Cheatham County Exchange - July 16, 2022
Cheatham County School Board honors Special Olympics participants

Weakley County Neighbors Magazine - July 10, 2022
2022 Special Olympics USA Games

Nashville Business Journal - July 7, 2022
Community Spotlight: Special Olympics is a movement built on inclusion, where every person is accepted and welcomed.

March 2022

The Chattanoogan - March 30, 2022
Area 4 Special Olympics Sets Annual Bocce Tournament

WATE / 6 On Your Side - March 23, 2022
Support Special Olympics by eating a sub from Jersey Mike's

WATE / 6 On Your Side - March 10, 2022
Ice Bears donating $2500 to Special Olympic athlete

February 2022

WJHL / News Channel 11 - February 20, 2022
‘Polar Plunge’ raises funds for Special Olympics Tennessee

ClarksvilleNow.com - February 6, 2022
Close to $19,000 raised in Special Olympics Tennessee Polar Plunge