Special Olympics Tennessee

Special Olympics Tennessee offers training and competition in 17 different sports throughout the year. The program includes 36 area programs managed by volunteer leadership teams that encompass all counties in the state of Tennessee. Combined, these area programs reach over 17,000 registered athletes each year. In local communities, athletes are recruited, trained, and provided local competition opportunities. Eight state-level games and tournaments, which include all 17 of the sports, are conducted annually. Usa national games and world games are held every four years, alternating every two years between summer and winter games. In addition to 'traditional' Special Olympics sports, 'unified sports' divisions are offered in 8 sports whereby athletes with and without disabilities play as teammates. This 'inclusion' program fosters understanding, acceptance and friendships as the players practice, travel and compete together. Additionally, Special Olympics today conducts healthy athletes activities including screening programs in vision (athletes are given glasses if needed), dental and hearing screenings (all programs are donated by professional organizations), and fitness and nutritional education. 'athlete leadership' programs conducted by Special Olympics empower athletes by offering opportunities to become coaches themselves through certified coaches training schools, public speakers training, and serving on local management teams as well as the state's board of directors. Unified champion schools is Special Olympics Tennessee's 'youth movement' in public and private schools which brings together students with and without disabilities to advocate for greater community inclusion of all persons with disabilities. Special Olympics Tennessee currently has over 120 sanctioned unified champion schools within Tennessee. Special Olympics Tennessee also offers a young athletes program for families with children ages 2 to 12 years which introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing. Young athletes offers families, teachers, caregivers and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children.