(12 to 18 months prior to games)

Beginning in the fall two years prior to a USA Games, the qualifying window will open with State Golf. It will include all state-level events through the next Summer Games.

Athletes/Unified partners (teams) will become eligible for the draw by medaling (1st, 2nd, 3rd) at a corresponding state event within the qualifying window. If a sport requires sport-specific standards, an individual in that sport must also meet those requirements to become eligible.

• Track & Field Qualifying Standards
  
• Swimming Qualifying Standards

When an athlete has medaled at a state event for a spot that we have received quota for, the process will begin on vetting the athlete/unified partner (team) to determine if they will be submitted for the draw. What we are looking for from eligible individuals is as follows:

• Be 16 years of age by Opening Ceremonies of USA Games
• Be able to attend training camp and training sessions (mandatory).
• Be physically, emotionally, and socially prepared to spend at least 8 - 9 days away from home.
  
  • Possess the physical stamina, strength, and skills associated with the sport along with a specific schedule.
  • Physically able to complete 8-9 days of walking in warm summer conditions.
  • Emotionally capable to function as part of a team (e.g. cooperation, sharing, group living, following directions, demonstrate appropriate social skills at all times, etc.) while being away from the family unit and potentially with a coach that is not their own.
• Be able to travel via airplane to the USA Games host city.
• Be self-sufficient with bodily care and not on a medication that cannot be handled by the athlete or coach.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship regardless of the outcome.
• Be willing to fundraise (if necessary) to cover the cost of the trip.

If the area director and family determine that their athlete/Unified partner/team meet the above criteria, the final step for submitting a name for the draw is having the area director communicate with the SOTN Sports Department (VP of Sports & Competitions, Nathaniel Hantle). Any name that goes into the draw is assuming the following responsibilities:

• Be on their best behavior at all times.  
• Be able to be coached and trained by a coach who may be unfamiliar to them (individual sports)
• Continue a supervised training program through the Games.
• Submit all required forms as necessary for registration by the deadline established by SOTN. 
• Obtain a new Special Olympics National Games medical release. 

Once a state level competition during the qualifying window has concluded, the SOTN Sports Department will start consolidating the eligible individuals to pass along to the area programs to start the vetting process. A deadline will be given on when names must be submitted to be a part of the draw. The draw will then take place and the selected individuals/teams will be notified.

Fall Sports - Golf, Flag Football, Cornhole, Bowling

Spring Sports - Basketball

Summer Sports - Athletics (Track & Field), Bocce, Pickleball, Powerlifting, Swimming, Volleyball

The draw is conducted as follows:

• For individual sports - Each area is assigned multiple bingo balls. Each athlete from that area is also assigned multiple bingo balls. The wheel with the area designations will be spun first to determine the area. Once an area is determined, then the athlete designations are spun to determine the individual. This process will be repeated until all slots are filled and multiple alternates are selected.
• For team sports - Each team is assigned multiple bingo balls. The wheel will be spun to determine the team; this process will be repeated until all slots are filled and alternates are selected.

The draw will be attended by SOTN staff, SOTN Board Members and other key individuals. The process will be recorded to ensure fairness should any questions arise.

*Please note that anyone drawn for the team is provisionally selected and will not officially join the team until after training camp.

(12 months prior to games)

Once team members are selected, the registration packet will be sent out to the area director and family members. This document will need to be completely filled out before it is returned to the area director for them to submit it back to the SOTN Sports Department. The registration packet will include waivers that must be signed by the delegation member (unless they are a minor). When receiving the packet, it is imperative that the information is clearly written so that there are no errors made when the information is input.

(6-8 months prior to games)

A training camp will be hosted by SOTN to provide the first opportunity for Team TN to meet each other. This weekend is mandatory as it is the final step to becoming an official member of Team TN. Individuals will be dropped off and spend an immersive weekend getting to know their coaches and fellow teammates, getting fit for uniforms, receiving their games physical, practice time and much more.

(0-6 months prior to games)

Athletes and unified partners will work with their coaches to determine a training and practice schedule in the lead up to the games. This work is critical to the success of the individual as they are able to hone in their skills and dedicate time to put their body in the best physical shape to attend the games.

(0-12 months prior to games)

There will be periodic virtual meetings in which the Head of Delegation and Assistant Head of Delegation will pass along important information regarding the USA Games. This will include information about the travel schedule, uniform disbursement, etc.

Team Tennessee will meet at predetermined locations to begin the travel process to the USA Games host city. Once team members arrive at these locations, we as a group lock into “Games Mode” until we return to Tennessee. At this time, sport-specific coaches will become responsible for their athletes/unified partners for the duration of the games. Family members from this point will have limited in-person interactions with their athlete as the delegation will have multiple experiences throughout the week, such as Opening Ceremonies, Healthy Athletes, Olympic Town, competition and more. Limited opportunities may be available for family members who travel to the games to interact with their athlete/unified partner, but that will be at the discretion of the Head of Delegation for Team Tennessee.

Photo by Paul W.Harvey IV