2024 SPECIAL OLYMPICS TRACK & FIELD COMPETITION
We’ve been at the school setting up this morning AND WE ARE STILL ON FOR TOMORROW, APRIL 10, 2024!  However, a few adjustments must be made due to the rain. Schools have the option of setting up tents INSIDE the fence on the turf, however there is limited space. But the outside grass is still an option to setup tents if needed. We are just trying to limit the amount of mud that gets on the new turf. We just ask if you set up on the turf, your tents must be weighted down. The school line up will now be on the track just in front of where the line up normally is. There will be volunteers there helping to show you where to go, but we ask that you try to keep everyone together and on the track. It might be a little chaotic this year, but we are going to have a great day 😊

For those of you who are volunteering (or just attending) the Special Olympics Track & Field event at Heritage High School tomorrow, April 10. I’m sure with all the rain in our area, many of you are wondering about the status of tomorrow’s Track & Field event. Crews have been setting up all day today, and we are planning to hold the event as scheduled. (Thursday’s weather looks much worse!) After today’s rain, some of the areas will naturally be soggy, but the main field now has turf, so that should be a huge benefit for all the competitions going on in that location. And, we’re hoping that the forecast of less rain tonight will help move some of those wet spots. As a precaution, you might want to arrive a bit earlier than you may have planned, just to make sure you get parked. Our volunteers will be directing you where to park since the ball field may have some areas that are not usable after all the rain. They will direct you to alternate locations in the school parking lots as spaces are needed. We have been working hard to make sure everything is set and ready, and look forward to helping you find the best spot to park as you come to the event. Thank you again for volunteering and making this a special day for all the athletes. We look forward to seeing you! 

Blount County Special Olympics is open to Blount County citizens 8 years & older. The ultimate goal of this program is to help persons with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them fair opportunities to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing public awareness of their capabilities and needs.

Schools and centers throughout Blount County participate in these events.  However, any person whose school or center does not participate OR any adult who does not attend a school or center is eligible to compete as an independent athlete

Tennessee State Special Olympics

Eligibility: To compete in Special Olympics, a person must be at least eight years old. Children at the age of six may begin a training program, but are not able to compete until the age of eight. A person must also be identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following: Intellectual Disabilities or Closely related development disability, which means having functional limitations in both general learning and in adaptive skills such as recreation, work, independent living, self direction, or self care.

⚬ Step 1: Download our application to participate and get a sports physical
⚬ Step 2: Download and sign our Release Form or get a parent or guardian’s consent

Volunteers are always needed to provide many types of assistance during Special Olympic events. Potential volunteers should keep in mind that all competitions are held during regular school hours.  If you would like more information regarding confirmed event dates or ways you can contribute your time or financial resources, please contact Will Hubbs at 865-983-9244 or will@parksrec.com.

Special Olympics Tennessee athletes participate in more sports and at higher levels than ever before. Much of this success can be attributed directly to the coaches. As a coach, you provide the sports skills and spirit that, when instilled, define a true athlete. You are a role model and character builder. You give Special Olympics athletes the most immediate awareness of their self-worth, ability, courage, and capacity to grow and improve.Step 1: Download and complete our Class A Background Screening formStep 2: Take our Online Protective Behavior Training certification