USA Games
Team PA wins big at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games!
Orlando was officially announced as the host city for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in May of 2018. Taking place from June 5-12, 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 traveled to unite and participate in one of the world’s most cherished sporting events. Team PA consisted of 121 athletes and 33 coaches from 14 sports. The Games were comprised of as many as 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports and were hosted at various world-class venues across the Orlando area.
2022 USA Games Athlete & Coach Selections
- Sydney Benner – Chester County
- Jason Bilger – Area M
- Tabatha Bilger – Area M
- Maria Brandt – Columbia/Montour Counties
- Christina Cybulak – Bradford/Sullivan Counties
- Matthew Himmelreich – Area M
- Daniel Maier – Bucks County
- Michael Walker – Philadelphia County
Head Coach, Tom Delaney (Bucks County)
Assistant Coach, Melissa Brandt (Columbia/Montour)
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
- Jayme Galdieri – Medical Support
- Hailey Fuzak – Media & Publicity
- Ashley Herr, SOPA – Youth Leadership Experience Mentor
- Meghan Duffy – Youth Leadership Experience
- Hannah Huddleson – Youth Leadership Experience
Team PA Information:
- Team PA Allocations and Selection Requirements (PDF)
- 2022 USA Games Athletics and Swimming Categories (PDF)
- Athlete Selection Process (PDF)
Selection Requirements included ALL of the following:
- Completion and submission of the Athlete Pre-Selection Questionnaire –
- 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: Team PA Reactions
2022 Special Olympics USA Games
A while back, we asked everyone to film their friends & family members watching our 2022 Special Olympics USA Games Selection Show in order to capture their reactions in the event they were picked to compete.
Well, now that the Games are two weeks away and Team Pennsylvania is all set to crush it in Orlando, we’re honored to share this video with you. Our athletes and volunteers train so diligently throughout the year and seeing how much this opportunity means to our Special Olympics Pennsylvania family truly brings us as much joy as is expressed in these clips.
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 Gamesheld 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.