2022 USA Games

Team Minnesota   |   June 5-11, 2022   |   Orlando, FL

Apply to be a part of Team Minnesota at the 2022 USA Games!

Special Olympics athletes from across the nation are participating in the 2022 USA Games, a premier national Summer Games event showcasing the power and joy of sports. If you are a Special Olympics Minnesota athlete, coach or Unified partner, you may be eligible to apply to be a part of Team Minnesota! Competition will be offered in both traditional and Unified play, tapping into communities to support and play alongside our athletes.

All expenses–including official uniforms, travel costs, registration fees, lodging and meals–will be covered by Special Olympics Minnesota. The only financial obligation for coaches, athletes and Unified Partners is traveling to/from practices, spending money for souvenirs, and potentially purchasing some basic clothing (e.g., khaki shorts, white T-shirts). 

Quota for Minnesota

Things to know

Before completing an application to attend the 2022 Games as part of Team MN, please read and understand the following details.

All athletes

• There may be athletes listed on the eligibility lists (which are based on previous participation) who do not actually meet the eligibility requirement of being 16 years old by June 3, 2022. Please understand that anyone who is under 16 by that date is ineligible, even if they are listed on the eligibility list(s).
• Some eligibility lists extend beyond gold medal winners who are eligible (more info in lists).
• Due to the lack of competitions in 2020, eligibility lists are based on events from 2019.
• Must be listed on the posted eligibility lists in order to apply.
• Must be at least 16 years old by June 3, 2022.
• If an athlete is listed on more than one eligibility list, they may apply for more than one sport.
• Must be willing and able to obtain a new physical and complete the official USA Games paperwork if selected.
• Must be able to attend Team MN gatherings and practices leading up to the Games.
• Must be able to attend the Games without a PCA or parent as part of the Team. Parents/family members are able to attend the Games on their own, separate from the team, as spectators.
• Must be in good standing with SOMN to be selected.
• Must abide by the Code of Conduct at all times.

All Unified pairs

• Must be listed on the posted eligibility lists in order to apply.
• Unified pairs that are applying must be a pair that has competed together already.
• Each member of the pair must be at least 16 years old by June 3, 2022.
• If a Unified pair is listed on more than one eligibility list, they may apply for more than one sport.
• Both the athlete and Unified partner must be willing and able to obtain a new physical and complete the official USA Games paperwork if selected.
• Must be able to attend Team MN gatherings and practices leading up to the Games.
• Must be able to attend the Games without a PCA or parent as part of the Team. Parents/family members are able to attend the Games on their own, separate from the team, as spectators.
• Must be in good standing with SOMN to be selected.
• Must abide by the Code of Conduct at all times.

All coaches

• Must be a minimum of 21 years old by June 3, 2022.
• Must hold a Level 2 certification in any/all sports they are applying to coach.
• Must have coached within SOMN for a minimum of 2 years.
• Must be willing and able to travel to and from the Games with the team.
• Excellent communication and organization skills required.
• Must serve as chaperone in addition to coach for the duration of the Games.
• Are required to hold a couple practices for the Team MN specific sport group leading up to the Games.
• Understand and support the philosophy that Team MN wants to make these opportunities available to as many coaches as possible, and work within a plan of selecting some experienced USA Games coaches as well as some “new to USA Games” coaches to be on Team MN.
• Must be willing to work with selected athletes to get updated registration scores for submission close to the date of the Games.
• Must be a good role model for and representative of SOMN.
• Instruct athletes to compete with maximum effort at all times.
• Must follow all instruction of the HOD and AHOD for Team MN.
• Must be in good standing with SOMN to be selected.
• Must abide by the Code of Conduct at all times.

Unified teams application process

If your delegation is eligible to apply for one of the Unified teams, please contact Kelly Monicatti at [email protected] for application protocol/details.

Unified team quota allocated to SOMN includes:

• Unified high school basketball team
• Unified softball team

See general USA Games Timeline & Selection Process