Special Olympics USA Games Training Camp
Family Session Notes
Registration – If you are planning on going to Seattle, be sure to go ahead and register as family members. There are many benefits including two free tickets to Opening Ceremonies.
Fundraising – We greatly appreciate you all sharing out the link to your online fundraising page with friends and family. If you still have questions or are not sure how to share this out, please contact Susan Doggett at . While this trip is free for the athletes and families are not required to fundraise, it is extremely helpful for you all to garner the support of the many people who are excited about your athlete going to the Games. SONC will spend over $130,000 on this event and every bit helps!
If you are interested in SONC making a flyer for your use, let Susan know that as well.
If friends and family want to make a cash donation or write a check (make it out to SONC) – these can either be given to the local program coordinator to deposit with a note that it is for USA Games or they can be sent to Kelly Vaughn at 2200 Gateway Centre Blvd., Ste. 201, Morrisville, NC 27520.
Travel -Families will be traveling to Seattle completely separately from the athletes and coaches. The departure city and times have not yet been decided for Team NC but we hope to let you know by the end of February. This should allow ample time for those families planning on going to Seattle to finalize travel arrangements.
If families are not able to stay for the duration of the Games, weencourage you to look at being there for Opening Ceremonies and a few days after. You will very likely to get to see some competition in those first few days for your athlete’s sport (the one exception may be powerlifting as that schedule is very unique).
Lindsay Waldron on the SONC staff is currently determining at which hotel SONC will block rooms for those families interested in staying in a central “North Carolina” hotel. Families are not required to stay here if you choose to stay elsewhere.
Competition Schedules – Don’t count on seeing detailed competition schedules any time soon. We will share them as we get them but it is often very last minute. Just do general planning for now!
Nutrition and Fitness – You will hear more and more about this as we prepare for the Games. Your support is essential! Take this opportunity to make some great lifestyle improvements for the entire family! The most important thing for all of the athletes – walk, walk, walk! We will do so much of it in Seattle!
All athletes have been provided with fitness trackers. Let your coach know if you have any trouble using them.
Sport Training – Thank you in advance for working with the USA Games coaches and local coaches on sport training. There may be additional training sessions scheduled for your sport in the future so stay in communication with your coaches!
Luggage and clothing – Don’t forget the athletes and coaches will be provided with the great majority of their clothing for the Games as well as their official luggage so don’t run out and start shopping! A detailed packing list and instructions will be provided closer to the Games.
Cool stuff – SONC is planning on ordering “supporter” T-shirts for anyone interested in purchasing. We will also make trading pins available for purchase for those families wanting to participate in the pin-trading at the Games. Athletes and coaches will be provided with a certain number for free. SONC is surveying families who want to purchase.