As Team Tennessee's Unified flag football team kicked off the competition at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota, it brought the energy and enthusiasm. For coach Tony Clark and his son, Austin Clark, the game means much more than the points or medals earned.
Tony Clark, of the Southeast Region and head coach of Team Tennessee's flag football team, and his son, Austin, have been involved with Special Olympics for many years. Their participation with the organization started back when Austin was in elementary school. Whether they realized it at the time or not, this organization has given them a playing field of passion, joy, and memories worth holding onto.
With a background in coaching, Tony said that taking on his role with Special Olympics was a calling. Yet, coaching goes beyond any playbook. When asked what Special Olympics means to him as an individual, Tony paused before saying, “I’ve thought about that for a long time… what I feel is unity- it’s understanding, perseverance.”
His connection with his athletes is reciprocal.
They push me to be better, and because of that I push them to be better. To be independent. To make their own decisions, sometimes quick decisions.
Speaking with Austin, he couldn’t have spoken higher to his teammates. Throughout the conversation, Austin didn’t miss an opportunity to talk about his “great team.” That greatness is more than reflected by this group of players and their coach.
Having been involved with Special Olympics since the second grade, Austin Clark was eager to share that they have “a great team, play hard, and never give up.” The grit and determination of these athletes not only contributes to their success on the field, but the impact they have beyond the game.
Football teaches more than the sport itself. Through coaching, Tony has the opportunity to bring life to the front seat of any competition or practice. He said, “Sometimes in life we have to make a quick decision and live with it.” Teaching the rules of football provides a unique opportunity to practice skills that are carried farther than the goal line.
Family is everything for the Clarks. When asked about the importance of family in his journey, Tony became emotional.
“It's a deep subject but a simple fact. I lost a key component to my family… if it weren’t for my wife and putting this into motion, I wouldn’t be standing here right now,” he said.
Tony talks about the joy of coaching Austin, not only as an athlete, but in getting to watch his son “grow as a man.”
Austin was quick to praise his father.
“My father is a great man and I love him so much… best coach ever.”
As the 2026 USA Games came to a close, Tony, Austin and the rest of Team Tennessee left Minnesota with far more than medals and memories. Their journey reflected the heart of Special Olympics, proving that family, perseverance, and unity extend well beyond the final whistle.
To learn more about Team Tennessee, click here.