Grand Forks, ND (June 19, 2013) – Special Olympics North Dakota (SOND) is accepting applications for athletes, unified partners, and coaches to represent North Dakota for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games to be held in New Jersey. All athletes and coaches selected must meet the minimum qualification criteria listed on the application forms.
To apply, please go to www.specialolympicsnorthdakota.org and click on sports, then National Games. Nominations must be received by the SOND state office no later than September 16, 2013 to be eligible for consideration. If you have questions, please contact the state office at (701)746-0331.
About the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games
The Special Olympics USA Games will be hosted by New Jersey June 14-21, 2014. Nearly 3,500 athletes will compete in 16 Olympic-style team and individual sports, with the support of 1,000 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and 50,000 family, friends and spectators. The Special Olympics USA Games will celebrate the Special Olympics movement, promote the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport and showcase athletes from throughout the U.S. and the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. The 2014 USA Games will also highlight Special Olympics’ work in sport, education, health and communities. Founding partners for the 2014 Special Olympic USA Games include Barnabas Health, HESS, PSE&G, Shop Rite, Toys “R” Us and WWE. Learn more about the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games at www.2014specialolympics.organd follow the Games on Facebook at Facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsUSAGames and Twitter @2014USAGames.
Team North Dakota has been given the following quota allowance for participation in the 2014 USA Games:
| Sport |
Female |
Male |
Unified Partner |
Total |
Coaches |
| Aquatics |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
| Track & Field |
2 |
4 |
0 |
6 |
2 |
| Bowling |
2 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
| Powerlifting |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
| Unified Bocce |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
| Unified Soccer (5v5) |
One Co-ed/Male Unified team of 10 |
10 |
2-3 |
||
| Unified Volleyball |
One Co-ed/Male Unified team of 10 |
10 |
2-3 |
||
About Special Olympics North Dakota
Special Olympics North Dakota is part of a worldwide movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports everyday around the world. Through work in sports, health education and community building, Special Olympics is addressing inactivity, injustice, intolerance and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities which leads to a more welcoming and inclusive society. Every year more than 1,400 Special Olympics athletes in North Dakota have an opportunity to take part in any of the fifteen sports offered. With the support of more than 330 coaches, 4,500 statewide volunteers and are able to deliver more than 70 statewide competitions throughout the year. Learn more about Special Olympics North Dakota at www.specialolympicsnorthdakota.org and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsND and twitter @SONorthDakota
