Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) is proud to announce the selection of 75 athletes and Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) and 19 coaches to represent the state at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. Team Special Olympics North Carolina will compete in nine sports at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida, June 5-12, according to SONC President/CEO Keith L. Fishburne.
In preparation for the Games, Team Special Olympics North Carolina hosts its Training Camp in Raleigh, Feb. 25-27. Sessions conducted at venues throughout the Triangle area will focus on general sport training and fitness for athletes and Unified partners.
Team Special Olympics North Carolina invites media representatives to attend the Athletic Lab session on Saturday, Feb. 25, 1 – 5 p.m. at 110 Competition Center Drive in Morrisville. All delegation members will be in attendance to participate in Athletic Lab sessions. For media inquiries regarding Training Camp, contact SONC Director of Communications Madeline Safrit at msafrit@sonc.net or (919)-719-7662 ext. 110.
The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games will unite more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean during one of the country’s most cherished sporting events. The Games will offer 19 Olympic-style team and individual sports, including athletics (track & field), basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, equestrian, flag football, golf, gymnastics, open water swimming, powerlifting, soccer, softball, stand up paddleboard, surfing, swimming, tennis, triathlon and volleyball. For over 50 years, Special Olympics has been empowering athletes and encouraging a more inclusive world for those with intellectual disabilities and beyond.
“Special Olympics Team North Carolina represents a diverse group of athletes and coaches from across the state,” said Fishburne. “We know they will do an excellent job representing our state in what will be a memorable experience for everyone.”
Individuals can support Team Special Olympics North Carolina’s journey to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games by donating online.
About the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games
The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is scheduled for June 5-12, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. Jersey Mike’s Subs is the Presenting Partner and the event is hosted by Disney. During this magical week, more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean will travel to Florida to unite in one of the country’s most cherished sporting events. The USA Games is hosted once every four years and showcases 19 Olympic-style team and individual sports and 30 events throughout the week including forums and VIP receptions. Website: www.2022usagames.org
About Special Olympics North Carolina
Since 1968, the organization has used the transformative power of sports to improve the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Nearly 40,000 athletes in North Carolina inspire thousands of coaches, sports officials, local program committee members and event organizers involved in Special Olympics statewide. SONC offers year-round training and competition in 20 Olympic-type sports on local and state levels as well as health and wellness initiatives to improve the health status and increase access to community health resources for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Youth become agents of change through Unified Champion Schools, an education and sports-based program created by Special Olympics to build an inclusive environment among youth with and without intellectual disabilities as well as empower them to become youth leaders and create change in their community. Engage with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
