USA Games
About the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games
Orlando was officially announced as the host city for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in May 2018. Taking place from June 5-11, 2022, more than 4,000 athletes, 10,000 volunteers, 1,500 coaches and 125,000 fans from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will travel to unite and participate in one of the world’s most cherished sporting events. The Games will be comprised of as many as 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports and will be hosted at various world-class venues across the Orlando area.
We are excited to announce our Team PA allocations for the 2022 USA Games in Orlando, FL – June 5-11. See documents below for allocations and athlete selection requirements. Team PA will consist of 122 athletes and 34 coaches from 14 sports.
Team PA Information:
- Team PA Allocations and Selection Requirements (PDF)
- 2022 USA Games Athletics and Swimming Categories (PDF)
- Athlete Selection Process (PDF)
Selection Requirements include ALL of the following:
- Completion and submission of the Athlete Pre-Selection Questionnaire – NEW FOR 2022 GAMES
- Athlete questionnaire PDF is attached for your reference, ALL athlete applications MUST be submitted electronically by April 1, 2021.
- Please work with your coaches/athletes to assist with this as necessary, if you need additional assistance please let a Competition staff or your Field Director know
- Active participation in at least one of the Commit to Fit activities: SONA Move Challenge, Fitness Heptathlon, SOPA In-Person Training Activities
- Have successfully participated in an overnight State level event
- Meet the Minimum Nomination Criteria (PDF)
2022 USA Games Athlete & Coach Selections
As of June 2021 – Final selections will take place after Fall Festival.
Athletics:
***Athletics Alternates***
Unified Athletics:
Basketball:
***Basketball Alternates***
Equestrian:
***Equestrian Alternates***
Golf:
***Golf Alternates***
Gymnastics:
***Gymnastics Alternates***
Softball:
***Softball Alternates***
Swimming:
***Swimming Alternates***
Tennis:
***Tennis Alternatives***
Bocce:
- Kristie Reid, Allegheny – Assistant Coach
- George Massamini, Bucks – Head Coach
- Laura Davis, Columbia Montour – Assistant Coach
Bowling:
- Jeff Truxell, Allegheny – Head Coach
- Kathy Wagner, Area M – Assistant Coach
- Cindy Walther, Bucks – Assistant Coach
Powerlifting:
- Lee Dittmar, Bucks – Head Coach
STAFF SUPPORT
- Mike Ermer, SOPA – Head of Delegation
- Bruce Bach, SOPA – Assistant Head of Delegation
- Lauren Saulter, SOPA – Assistant Head of Delegation
- Kerry Wevodau, SOPA – Logistics Coordinator
- Kristen Lenig, SOPA – Family Coordinator
- Jaimie Galdieri – Medical Support
2018 Special Olympics USA Games
The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games were held in Seattle, Washington from July 1-6, 2018. Nearly 3,500 athletes competed in an array of Olympic-type team and individual sports, with the support of 1,000 coaches, and tens of thousands volunteers and spectators. The Games celebrated the Special Olympics movement, promoted the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport, and showcased athletes from throughout the U.S. and the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. The 2018 USA Games also highlighted Special Olympics’ work in sport, education, health and community-building.
2018 USA Games Recap:
Congratulations to the athletes that represented Team PA in the Special Olympics USA Games held in Seattle, Washington from July 1-6, 2018. Pennsylvania sent 50 athletes and Unified partners along with 16 coaches and staff to compete in 10 out of the 14 sports offered during the Games.
View Images from the Team PA Sendoff
Visit our Flickr page to view USA Games Photos!
Dinniman Presents Flag to Special Olympics Athletes
State Senator Andrew Dinniman of the 19th District presented Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) athletes, who represented Team PA during the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, with the Pennsylvania state flag. The flag was proudly be carried by members of Team PA during Opening Ceremonies for the USA Games on July 1st.
Monroe Co. Athlete Carried Flame of Hope at USA Games
Ernie Roundtree (at right) Honored with Spot on 2018 Special Olympics USA Games Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg Team
Before the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games kicked off in Seattle on Sunday, July 1, an elite group of individuals served as the “Guardians of the Flame” and escorted the Special Olympics Flame of Hope on a journey across Washington State. Ernie Roundtree of Monroe County was among those who made up the prestigious “Final Leg” team for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games.