Special Olympics

Blount County Special Olympics is open to Blount County citizens 8 years & older. The ultimate goal of this program is to help persons with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them fair opportunities to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing public awareness of their capabilities and needs.Schools and centers throughout Blount County participate in these events.  However, any person whose school or center does not participate OR any adult who does not attend a school or center is eligible to compete as an independent athlete

Date(s)

January-September

Time(s)

See more details on dates, times, & activities below

Location
Across Blount County

Annual Events*

Bowling

Crest Bowling Lanes

September 2026

Track & Field

Heritage High School

April 8, 2026
Rain Date: April 9

Powerlifting

Steel Room
403 S Washington St
Maryville, TN

April 18, 2026
Powerlifting is a year-round sport with practice twice a week as part of the local Power Partners program.
For more information, contact Chip Hultquist at: chiphultquist@gmail.com

Basketball

Everett Rec Center

February 17-19, 2026

Winter Games

Crest Bowling Lanes

January 25-27, 2026

*All dates are tentatively set.  Please call one month prior to event to confirm - 865-983-9244.
**Fundraising events are also held throughout the year.

get Involved

Become an Athlete

Eligibility: To compete in Special Olympics, a person must be at least eight years old. Children at the age of six may begin a training program, but are not able to compete until the age of eight. A person must also be identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following: Intellectual Disabilities or Closely related development disability, which means having functional limitations in both general learning and in adaptive skills such as recreation, work, independent living, self direction, or self care.⚬ Step 1: Download our application to participate and get a sports physical⚬ Step 2: Download and sign our Release Form or get a parent or guardian’s consent

Become a Volunteer

Volunteers are always needed to provide many types of assistance during Special Olympic events. Potential volunteers should keep in mind that all competitions are held during regular school hours.  If you would like more information regarding confirmed event dates or ways you can contribute your time or financial resources, please contact Will Hubbs at 865-983-9244 or will@parksrec.com.

Become a Coach

Special Olympics Tennessee athletes participate in more sports and at higher levels than ever before. Much of this success can be attributed directly to the coaches. As a coach, you provide the sports skills and spirit that, when instilled, define a true athlete. You are a role model and character builder. You give Special Olympics athletes the most immediate awareness of their self-worth, ability, courage, and capacity to grow and improve.Step 1: Download and complete our Class A Background Screening formStep 2: Take our Online Protective Behavior Training certification