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Last updated 08/15/2025




ABOUT SOTN Our History Our Mission
MEET THE TEAM Local Area Programs + Regions State Staff
TERMINOLOGY GUIDE
SUPPORTING SOTN ATHLETES
GET INVOLVED SOTN Volunteers Volunteer Expectations
VOLUNTEER ROLES +REQUIREMENTS Event Volunteers Specialized Volunteers
SOTN PROGRAMS Sports, Healthy Athletes, Fitness + Combines, Young Athletes, Unified Champion Schools, Athlete Leadership, Special Events+ Fundraisers
COMPETITIONS Level Of Competitions 2034 USA Games In Nashville

SpecialOlympicsbeganin1962asabackyard daycampfoundedbyEuniceKennedyShriver, whobelievedpeoplewithintellectual disabilitieswerefarmorecapablethansociety assumed.Motivatedbythelackof opportunitiesforhersisterRosemaryand others,Shriverinvitedyoungpeoplewith intellectualdisabilitiestoherMarylandhome forasummerofsports,play,andinclusion.This simpleideagrewintotheworld’slargest amateursportsorganization,withthefirst InternationalSpecialOlympicsGamesheldin 1968,attractingover1,000athletesfromthe U.S.andCanada.Today,SpecialOlympics thrivesinmorethan172countries,promoting inclusion,dignity,andopportunitythrough sport.
InspiredbyShriver’svision,educatorsat PeabodyCollegeinNashville,includingJack Elder,CecilMorgan,andNelandCarver

Hibbett,workedtobringSpecialOlympicsto Tennessee.In1973,Elder,thenagraduate studentfocusedonphysicaleducationfor individualswithdisabilities,partneredwith Hibbetttosecureafederalgrantandofficially launchSpecialOlympicsTennessee.Withits headquartersattheVanderbiltKennedy Center,Elderbecamethefirstexecutive director,buildingastrongnetworkof volunteers,communitypartners,andathletic eventsacrossthestate.
VanderbiltUniversityquicklybecameacentral hubforOlympic-stylecompetitions,hosting torchrelays,openingceremonies,athlete parades,andmedalpresentations.These eventshelpedchangepublicattitudesand demonstratedtheabilitiesofathleteswith intellectualdisabilities.Today,SpecialOlympics Tennesseeservesmorethan18,000athletesof allagesandabilities,offeringtrainingand competitionin16Olympic-stylesportsand hostingover250competitionsannually, supportedbythousandsofdedicatedcoaches andvolunteers.

Toprovideyear-roundsportstrainingand athleticcompetitioninavarietyofOlympic-style sportsforchildrenandadultswithintellectual disabilities,givingthemthecontinuing opportunitytodevelopphysicalfitness, demonstratecourage,andparticipateina sharingofgifts,skills,andfriendshipwiththeir families,otherSpecialOlympicsathletes, andthecommunity.


Inadditiontoourlocalareaprogramteams,wehavestatewidestaffavailabletoassistyou withanyquestions:
Volunteerrecruitment,eventsupport,andgeneralvolunteerinquiries:
RuthBoscaljon,rboscaljon@specialolympicstn.org
Sportsinformation,coacheseducationandtrainings: NathanielHantle,nhantle@specialolympicstn.or
Athleteeligibility,certificationsandbackgroundche
JoanneDrumright,jdrumright@specialolympicst
EastTennesseeRegionalManager
RyanForsyth,rforsyth@specialolympicstn.org
MiddleTennesseeRegionalManager
DanaAllen,dallen@specialolympicstn.org
WestTennesseeRegionalManager
KelbyMcCaleb,kmccaleb@specialolympicstn.org


Tohelpyounavigateyourvolunteerrole,hereisalistoffrequentlyusedacronyms andtermsyoumaycomeacross.
ClassA–Termusedtodescribethesetofrequirementsthatvolunteerswhoareinsomesort ofspecialtyorsupervisoryroleneedtocomplete.Typically,thisincludesabackgroundcheck andtrainings.(e.g.Coach,UnifiedPartner,Mentor)
ClassB–Referstotherequirementsforvolunteerswhodonothavesupervisory responsibilities(e.g.,EventDayVolunteers,Administrativesupport).
GMT–GameManagementTeam;Agroupofvolunteersthathelpsupporttheorganizingand overseeingallaspectsofsportingcompetitions,includingvenuemanagement,hospitality, volunteersandawards
HealthyAthletes–AprogramthatoffersfreehealthscreeningsandservicestoSpecial Olympicsathletesandcoaches.
HOD–HeadofDelegation;aleadvolunteerwhomanagesallaspectsofateam’sparticipation inaSpecialOlympicsevent,ensuringathletesafety,welfare,andoverallexperience
IDD–IntellectualorDevelopmentalDisability;atermusedtodescribeagroupofconditions thatbeginduringthedevelopmentalperiodandaffectaperson’sintellectualfunctioning, learning,communication,mobility,orbehavior.
LETR–LawEnforcementTorchRun;aglobalfundraiserandawarenesscampaignwherelaw enforcementandSpecialOlympicsathletescarrythe“FlameofHope”ineventsworldwide.
LocalAreaProgram–Oneofthe36counties/citiesthatparticipateinSpecialOlympics Tennesseeprogramming.TheLocalAreaProgramisthedirectserviceteamforathletesand theirfamilymembers.
Region–Oneofthe3areas(East,Middle,West)withinTennesseethathaveateamofstaff supportingourathletesandvolunteers.
SO-SpecialOlympics
SOTN–SpecialOlympicsTennessee
SONA–SpecialOlympicsNorthAmerica
SOI–SpecialOlympicsInternational
Unified–Agroupofpeoplewithandwithoutintellectualdisabilitiesplaying,working,and growingtogetherasequals,regardlessofability.
UCS–UnifiedChampionSchools;connectsK–12studentswithandwithoutintellectual disabilitiesthroughinclusivesports,leadership,andschool-wideactivities.
YA–YoungAthletes;aprogramforchildrenages2to7thatintroducesbasicsportsskills andpromotesinclusion,confidence,andsocialdevelopmentthroughfun,play-based activities.

EveryonebringsdifferentlevelsofexperienceworkingwithSpecialOlympicsathletes.The suggestionsbelowaredesignedtohelpyoufeelmoreconfidentandcomfortableinyour interactions.
Respectandkindness:Peoplewithandwithoutintellectualdisabilitieshavemuchincommon. Alwaysbesensitivetoathletes’dignityandrespectculturaldifferences.Treatthemasyou wouldwanttobetreated.
Speakappropriately:Speaktoathletesrespectfully,matchingtheirageandabilities.Always callthem“athletes,”never“kids”.Addressathletesthemselveswithquestionsorfeedback,and includethemindecisionswheneverpossible.
Begenuine:Useyournormalvoice,maintaineyecontactandoffersupportwithout exaggerationoroverpraising.Fair,honestandkindfeedbackhelpsathletesgrow.
Respectcomfortlevels:Letathletesdecidehowtheywanttoberecognized(highfives, handshakes,etc.)andfeelfreetosetyourownboundaries.Athletesenjoyengaging experienceswhilealsolearningappropriatebehaviorandgoodsportsmanship.
Askbeforehelping:Alwayscheckifanathletewantsassistancebeforesteppingin.
Visuallyimpairedathletes:Identifyyourselfbyname,describesurroundingscalmly,andoffer yourelbowforguidance,don’tgrabtheirhand.
Hearingimpairedathletes:Don’tshoutorexaggeratespeech.Getattentionbynameorgentle touch,keepfacevisibleforlipreading.

Seeksupportwhenneeded:Ifyounoticeaproblem,don’thesitatetoaskcoaches,lead volunteers,orstaffforhelp.

WhileSOTNathletesaretheheartofourmission,our4,000+volunteersarethedrivingforce behindit.Theirtime,passion,andcommitmentmakeinclusionpossibleandgivethemafront-row seattosomeofthemostinspiringmomentsinsportsandbeyond.Hereareafewwaystoget connected:
VolunteerHub:OuronlinevolunteermanagementsystemmakesiteasyforSOTNvolunteers tofindupcomingeventsandregistertogetinvolved.
VolunteerHuddle:Thego-tomonthlyemailfornews,helpfultips,andupcomingvolunteer opportunitieswithSOTN.
VolunteerBootCamp:SOTNstaffhostsamonthlyvirtualinfosessiononthefourthThursday ofeachmonthfrom6:30–7:00PMCST.It’stheperfectopportunityforneworprospective volunteerstolearnmoreandaskquestions.
ReachOutWithQuestions:
RuthBoscaljon,CommunityOutreach+VolunteerCoordinator rboscaljon@specialolympicstn.org,847.809.6257
BeRespectful+Positive
Yourattitudesetsthetone!Akind,encouraging,andrespectfulapproachcreatesa welcomingenvironmentforathletes,families,andfellowvolunteers.
ComePrepared+BePunctual
Previewallevent-specificinformationinadvance,includingcheck-inprocedures,parking instructions,andyourassignedvolunteerrole.Athletes,coaches,andeventstaffrelyon you,beingontimehelpseverythingrunsmoothly.
CommunicateClearly+FollowDirections
Ifyou’reeverunsureaboutsomething,justask!Clearcommunicationandawillingnessto followinstructionshelpensureeventsaresafe,organized,andsuccessful.
PrioritizeSafety+RespectBoundaries
Alwaysfollowsafetyprotocolsandrespectpersonalspace.Protectingthewell-beingof athletesandvolunteersisatoppriority.Ifsomethingseemsunsafe,speakup.
BeFlexible+Adaptable
Thingsdon’talwaysgoasplanned.Staypositive,open-minded,andreadytojumpin whereverhelpisneeded.Youradaptabilitykeepstheenergyhighandtheeventrunning smoothly.
RepresentSpecialOlympicsTennessee
Asavolunteer,youareanambassadorforSOTN.Whetheronthefieldorinthe community,carryyourselfwithintegrity,kindness,andenthusiasm.Helpusshow theworldwhatinclusiontrulylookslike.

Everyvolunteerroleisessentialtoourorganization!Volunteersages16andupmay participateindependently,whilethoseages8to15mustbeaccompaniedbyaparent, guardian,orchaperone;children7andunderarewelcometoattendascheerleaderswith adultsupervisionbutwillnothaveassignedduties. Here’sabreakdowntohelpyou understandthethedifferentopportunitiesbetweeneventandspecializedvolunteers:
ThisisagreatfitforpeoplewhoarenewtoSpecialOlympicsorwanttohelpoutinaflexible way.TheserolesareclassifiedasClassBandcannotsuperviseathletesorvolunteers.
Providesessentialsupportfordayofeventoperations,includingsetupandtakedown, specialevents,andsports-relatedtasks.
RequiredtohavecompletedavolunteerapplicationandClassBVolunteerRegistration form.
Healthcareprofessionalsorstudentswhohelpsatoneofourhealthscreeningevents. Assistwithconductingbasichealthassessments,providingeducation,andpromoting healthyhabits.
Requiredtohavecompletedavolunteerapplication,ClassBvolunteerregistrationformand signtheHoldHarmlessagreementthedayoftheevent.
Useskillsinphotography,graphicdesign,writing,publicrelations,marketing,and fundraising,idealforthosewithprofessionalexperienceinthesefields.
RequiredtohaveacompletedvolunteerapplicationandClassBVolunteerRegistrationform AdministrativeSupport
Supportbehindthesceneswithtaskslikedataentry,paperwork,communications,event prep,andregistrations,eitherin-officeorremotely.In-officeshiftswillbeduringweekday businesshoursinthestateofficeinBrentwood,TN.
RequiredtohaveacompletedvolunteerapplicationandClassBVolunteerRegistration form.
Priorexperienceasaplayerorrefereeinaspecificsport.Recommendedtohaveofficials' certificationfromaNationalGoverningBody(NGB)and/oranInternationalSportFederation (ISF)ishighlyrecommended.
RequiredtohaveacompletedvolunteerapplicationandClassBVolunteerRegistration form.
OurSpecializedVolunteersorClassAvo individualswhohaveregular,closeconta SpecialOlympicsathletesortakeonlead roleswithintheprogram.
Creates,organizesandleads/assists comprehensivesporttrainingprogra teamofathletesandvolunteers.


Requiredtohavecompletedvolunteerapplication, ClassAandClassBregistration,backgroundclearance, ProtectiveBehaviorsTraining,ConcussionTrainingandaSportsCertification.Volunteersin thisrolemustbe18orolder*AssistantroleisnotrequiredtohaveaSportsCertification,but encouraged!
ParticipateinregularpracticesandcompetitionsalongwithSOTNathletes,whichmay includelocal,regionalandstate-levelevents.
Requiredtohavecompletedvolunteerapplication,ClassAandClassBregistration, backgroundclearance,ProtectiveBehaviorsTrainingandConcussionTraining.
SupportSpecialOlympicsathletesintheirjourneytobecomeAthleteLeaders.Mentorsare matchedwithanathleteandofferongoingsupport,constructivefeedbackand encouragement.
Requiredtohavecompletedvolunteerapplication,ClassAandClassBregistration, backgroundclearance,ProtectiveBehaviorsTrainingandConcussionTraining.Thereisalso anoptionalAthleteMentortraining.
GameManagementTeam(GMT)
Overseeallaspectsofsportingeventsincludingplanningandexecution,volunteer coordination,athletesupport,venuesetupandawards.
Requiredtohavecompletedvolunteerapplication,ClassAandClassBregistration, backgroundclearance,ProtectiveBehaviorsTrainingandConcussionTraining.Volunteersin thisrolemustbe18orolder
VenueLeader
Overseeday-ofoperationsforaspecificsportlocation,coordinatingvolunteers,officials,and athletestoensuresmoothandefficientcompetitionexecution.
Requiredtohavecompletedvolunteerapplication,ClassAandClassBregistration, backgroundclearance,ProtectiveBehaviorsTrainingandConcussionTraining.Volunteers inthisrolemustbe18orolder
HeadofDelegation(HOD)

Leadcoordinatorofalocalareaprogramduringacompetitionevent.HODsmanageteam housing,credentials,medicals/medicationandmore.
Requiredtohavecompletedvolunteerapplication,ClassAandClassBregistration, backgroundclearance,ProtectiveBehaviorsTrainingandConcussionTraining.Volunteersin thisrolemustbe18orolder
LocalAreaDirector
Therolemayvary,dependingontheneedsoftheareaandlocalprogram.AreaDirectors typicallyoverseethefollowingareas:
SportsCoordination-Supportcoacheswithregistration,training,andcompetitions;assist withtrainingsites,equipment,andtransportation.
DatabaseSupport–Helpcompleteandmanagerequiredformsforathletes,volunteers, andstaff.
Fundraising–Assistwithplanningandsupportingfundraisingeventsandinitiatives.
CommunityOutreach–PromoteSpecialOlympicslocally,recruitvolunteers,andrepresent atevents.
TeamLeadership–Collaboratewithregionalstafftoensuresmoothteamoperations; sharekeyinfowithathletes,families,andvolunteers.
Requiredtohavecompletedvolunteerapplication,ClassAandClassBregistration, backgroundclearance,ProtectiveBehaviorsTrainingandConcussionTraining.Volunteersin thisrolemustbe18orolder
TeamVolunteer/Chaperones
Supportatrainingsite/teamtocoverthe1:4ratio.Thisrolecanincludeprovidinggeneral supervisionandsupporttothesportteam,aswellasmoredirect,1:1supporttoindividual athletesasneeded.TeamVolunteersareauthorizedtosuperviseathletesandtravelwiththe teamforcompetitions.
Requiredtohavecompletedvolunteerapplication,ClassAandClassBregistration, backgroundclearance,ProtectiveBehaviorsTrainingandConcussionTraining.Volunteersin thisrolemustbe18orolder






SpecialOlympicsTennesseeofferscompetitionin16sportsstatewide,supportedby1,200 coachesand3,600Unifiedpartners.Over18,000SOTNathletesbuildskills,confidence,and inclusionthroughyear-roundlocal,regional,andstateevents.Hereisanoverviewofthesports seasonahead.
�� FALLSEASON
❄ WINTERSEASON
☀SUMMERSEASON
MONTHS
August-November
December-March
SPORTS STATE EVENTS (LOCATIONS)
Bowling,Cornhole, FlagFootball,Fitness, Golf+Soccer
September-StateGolf (MiddleTN)
October-StateFall Games(MiddleTN)
AlpineSkiing,Basketball, Snowboarding +Speedskating
January-StateWinter Games(EastTN)
March-StateBasketball (MiddleTN)
April-June
Athletics(Track+Field), Bocce,Pickleball, Powerlifting,Swimming+ Volleyball
May-StateSummer Games(MiddleTN)
SpecialOlympicsistheworld’slargestpublichealthorganizationforindividualswith intellectualdisabilities,addressingcriticalhealthdisparitiesthroughitsHealthyAthletes program.In2024,SOTNprovided27freehealthscreeningsto2,250athletes,with127 receivingnecessarymedicalinterventions.







F

In2025,Train4Life,a12-weekwellnessprogramforSpecialOlympics athletes13+,isreaching470athletesacross13stateswithsupportfrom 40coaches.Throughguidedworkouts,healthassessments,andwellness education,it’shelpingtransformthelivesofSpecialOlympicsathletes.
InterestedinlearningmoreaboutanSOTNprogram? ContactRuthBoscaljonatrboscaljon@specialolympicstn.org

OurYoungAthletesprogramintroduceschildrenasyoungasage2,withandwithout intellectualordevelopmentaldisabilities,tosportsandplaythatbuildmotorskillsandhandeyecoordination.ServingasabridgetoSpecialOlympicssports,theprogramengages125 childrenacross10schoolsand8annualevents.

UnifiedChampionSchoolsbringtogetherK–12students withandwithoutintellectualdisabilitiesthroughinclusive sports,youthleadership,andwhole-schoolengagement. TheUCSprogramisengagedin50districts,202schools reached172,471students,including2,150UnifiedSports athletes.
"SpecialOlympicsathletesarethe inspirationforallwhobelieveinthe powerofthehumanspirit."
-EuniceKennedyShriver, founderofSpecialOlympics
A T H L E T E L E A D E R S H I P
AthleteLeadershipempowersindividualswithIDDsby providingmeaningfulopportunitiestodevelopleadership skills,gainvaluableexperience,anddemonstratetheir abilitiesinrolesofinfluenceandresponsibility.



SpecialOlympicsTennesseehostsavarietyofeventsthroughouttheyeartohelpfundfree programsformorethan18,000athletes,agestwoandup.Exploremeaningfulopportunities toengageyourfriends,family,orcolleaguesinsupportinginclusionacrossthestate.
January/February-PolarPlunge(Statewide)
Achillybutheartwarmingfundraiserwherebrave participantsjump,run,ortiptoeintoicywaters, alltosupportandcelebrateSOTNathletes.
March-MusicCityBlitzInvitational(MiddleTN)
InpartnershipwithNissanandtheTennessee Titans,thisSOTNflagfootballtournamentbrings athletesandUnifiedpartnerstogethertocompete onthemainstageatNissanStadium.
May-VIPReceptionatStateSummerGames(MiddleTN)
Thisreceptionisanexclusivegatheringofferingthechance toconnectwithathletes,supporters,andcommunityleaderspriortoopening ceremonies.

June-PullingForAPurposePlanePullandRuntheRunway5K(MiddleTN)
Thiseventbringstogetherlawenforcement,communitymembers,UnifiedClubs,and SOTNsupportersinafriendlycompetitiontopullaplanethefastest,pairedwitha unique5Kraceontheairport’srunway.
July/August-MusicCityCorporateChallenge(MiddleTN)
AnOlympic-styleeventwhereNashville-areacompaniescompeteinsportcompetitions tosupportandraiseawarenessforSOTN.
September-TopgolfProAm:UnifiedForeJoy(Statewide)
TheUnifiedForeJoyProAmisacharityeventatTopgolfinNashville,Memphis, Knoxville,andChattanooga,supportingSOTNthroughteam-basedcompetition.
October-Wine&Dine(Statewide)
ExperienceanunforgettableeveningatWine+Dine,featuringtastingstationsfromtop localchefs,finewines,asilentauction,andoursignatureWine&WhiskeyPull.
Year-round-LawEnforcementTorchRun+Tip-A-Copsevents(Statewide)
Over97,000officerscarrythe“FlameofHope”eachyearaspartoftheLaw EnforcementTorchRun®,raisingawarenessandfundsforSOTN.

Throughoutthesportsseason,athleteshaveopportunitiestochallengethemselvesthrough differentlevelsofcompetition.Theseeventsfosterphysicalfitness,showcasecourage,and createmomentsofjoyandachievement.
Local/Invitationals:ThesecompetitionsareorganizedbyLocalAreaDirectorsandprovide athleteswiththeopportunitytocompeteinacommunity-centeredenvironment.Local teamscometogetherforafulldayofsportsandfosteringconnectionsamongathletes, coaches,families,andvolunteers.
Regional:EventsorganizedbyRegionalstaff,withsupportfromLocalAreaDirectorsandthe Statestaff,maybesingleormulti-sportcompetitionsandmayserveasqualifiersforhigherlevelevents.
StateGames:Statewidecompetitionsthataretheculminatingeventofthesportseason. Athletesmustqualifyinordertoattendstategames.EventsareledbyStatestaffandlocal GameManagementTeams(GMT).
USAGames:Heldevery4years,USAgamesinvitesover4,000athletesfromall50statesto compete.Formostsports,athletesmustwinagoldmedalintheirdivisionatStateGamesin ordertoqualifyforUSAgames.ThereisanapplicationandselectionprocessforUSAgames. TheseslotsarelimitedwithSOTNtakesagroupof110individuals,includingathletes,unified athletes,coachesandstafftoeachUSAGames.
WorldGames:Everyfouryears,SpecialOlympicsathletesintheUnitedStateshavethe chancetorepresentourcountryattheWorldGames,thepinnacleofcompetitionfor SummerandWinterGames.Thisprestigiousopportunityinvolvesacompetitiveapplication andselectionprocess,withSpecialOlympicsTennesseesendingonly8–10athletestoeach eventduetolimitedslots.
Nashvilleissettohostthelargestinclusivesportingeventinitshistory,the2034Special OlympicsUSAGames.InJuneof2034,4,000athletesandcoachesfromall50stateswill competein18sports,drawingover125,000spectators.
Withworld-classvenues,dedicatedvolunteers,andawelcomingcommunity,Nashvillewill celebratethedeterminationandtalentofSpecialOlympicsathletes,onthefieldandbeyond.The Gamesareexpectedtobringanestimated$110millionineconomicimpact.

VOLUNTEERHUB:OuronlinevolunteermanagementsystemmakesiteasyforSOTN volunteerstofindupcomingeventsandregistertogetinvolved. https://specialolympicstn.volunteerhub.com/vv2/
FINDSPECIALOLYMPICSNEARYOU:Tennesseehas36volunteer-ledareaofficesacross threeregions,supportingprogramsandservicesforover18,000SpecialOlympicsathletes statewide.https://www.specialolympicstn.org/get-involved/find-special-olympics-near-you
MEETTHETEAM:MeetthededicatedSpecialOlympicsstaffworkingtosupportathletesand programsacrossTennessee.https://www.specialolympicstn.org/about/meet-our-team
SPORTS+COACHING
SportsOfferedInTennessee:https://www.specialolympicstn.org/sports
BecomeACoach:https://www.specialolympicstn.org/get-involved/become-a-coach
BecomeAUnifiedPartner:https://www.specialolympicstn.org/get-involved/become-aunified-partner
SportRules+Guidelines:https://resources.specialolympics.org/sports-essentials/sportsand-coaching
SpecialOlympicsInternationalResources: https://www.specialolympics.org/about/intellectual-disabilities?locale=en
BecomeAnAthlete:https://www.specialolympicstn.org/get-involved/become-an-athlete
2034SPECIALOLYMPICSUSAGAMES:Nashvilleisreadytohostthelargestinclusivesports eventinitshistory!https://www.specialolympicstn.org/bring-the-2030-usa-games-tonashville
WAYSTOGIVE:SOTNathletestrainandcompeteatnocost,thankstothegenerosityof donors,sponsors,andcommunitysupporters.Discoverhowyoucanmakeadifference: https://www.specialolympicstn.org/get-involved/ways-to-give
QUESTIONS:
RuthBoscaljon,CommunityOutreach+VolunteerCoordinator rboscaljon@specialolympicstn.org|(o)615.329.1375,(m)847.809.6257 5115MarylandWay,Suite300,Brentwood,TN,37027
