Enclosed please find information and nomination forms for athletes for the 2014 USA National Games. The games will be held in from June 14 – 21, 2014. Delaware has available the following positions:

Unified Partner Coach Athlete Alottment Sport Alottment Alottment Male Female Male Female per sport Aquatics 4 1 Bocce 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 Powerlifting 2 1 Track & Field 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Type of Team Roster Size Coaches

Traditional * 1 Female Age 16+ Team 10 2 10 (Total Athletes & Unified Unified Flag Football* 1 Male Age 22+ Team 2 Partners Traditional * 1 Male Age 18-29 Team 16 3

*Traditional Basketball, Unified Flag Football and Baseball will be composite teams and each person must apply individually. Team applications will not be accepted. A tryout may be required based on the number of applicants

If you are interested in applying as an athlete or unified partner please do the following:

1. Read the Information Sheet, especially the MINIMUM STANDARDS section. 2. Fill out COMPLETELY the application form. 3. Submit the application by Friday, September 20, 2013. (extended date)

2014 Special Olympics National Games Team Delaware INFORMATION SHEET

New Jersey has been selected as host of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, the Games of Welcome and Acceptance. The 2014 Special Olympics USA Games will showcase athletes from all 52 states who will be competing in 14 official and 2 demonstration sports during the week of June 14 – 21. Competitions will be offered in both Traditional and Unified play, bringing together the community to support and play side-by-side with our athletes, in what expects to be the most inclusive Games in Special Olympics History.

MINIMUM STARDARDS Persons selected to represent Special Olympics Delaware at the 2014 Special Olympics USA National Games must demonstrate good sportsmanship, dedication to training, desire to excel in sports, an understanding of the rules of the sport, and the ability to function well as a part of a team. Athletes must not only be dedicated to their sport, but must also have the ability to commit extra time to training, travel to training camps and competition, and be involved in other National Games activities as determined by Special Olympics Delaware.

Each athlete, coach and family must commit to the following if selected as a member of Team Delaware: • Each delegation member selected must attend all training sessions as outlined by Special Olympics Delaware. This may include weekend trainings that will require athletes to be away from home and work. Transportation problems will need to be worked out in advance. • All delegation members and family/legal guardian must be present at all required meetings and orientations as outlined by Special Olympics Delaware. • Athletes must be able to obtain a physical/physician’s signature on a National Games medical (this form will be provided upon selection to the team). • All delegation members must be able to be away from their families and jobs, from June 13, 2014 through June 21, 2014. (exact travel dates will be available at a later date) • All delegation members must agree to train in respective sport and follow the Special Olympics Delaware Code of Conduct at all events and trainings up to and including the 2014 USA National Games. • Athletes and Coaches must agree to refrain from addictive habits during all National Games events and activities which includes smoking, drinking, chewing smokeless tobacco, etc. • Athletes must be current registered participants with Special Olympics Delaware and have competed in their respective sport in the year prior to National Games. According to the General Rules of Special Olympics, if a person fits all eligibility requirements then preference will be given to those receiving a gold medal within the sport during the selection process; however, if there are no gold medal winners who have applied selection will go to the next highest placement in the sport. • Delegation members will be required to be with Team Delaware for the duration of the games, including but not limited to: travel to/from the games, travel during the games, and in housing and competition venues. Family visitation will be restricted at the games and members must be able to function during the games with minimal contact from family members. • An athlete or coach may be removed from the delegation, at any time, for failure to adhere to the principles or fulfill the responsibilities of the criteria set forth by Special Olympics Delaware. An athlete or coach may also be removed for issues directly related to the health and safety of themselves or other persons involved with Team Delaware or the National Games.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS DELAWARE USA NATIONAL GAMES

INDIVIDUAL NOMINATION

All parts of this application must be completed for an athlete to be considered as an applicant for Team Delaware. Any form that is incomplete will not be considered. Any form that has been intentionally submitted containing false information will result in the disqualification of the application. All Athlete Applications must be submitted by Friday, September 20, 2013.

(Please type or print clearly all information)

This application is being submitted for consideration in the sport of:

______Aquatics (female only) ______Bowling (Unified) ______Bocce ______Powerlifting (male only) ______Track & Field ______Golf (Unified male only) ______Tennis

______Team Basketball (females age 16+ only) ______Flag Football (Unified males age 22+ only) ______Baseball (males age 18-29 only)

PART A - GENERAL INFORMATION

Are you applying as an: Athlete or Unified Partner

Applicant Name: ______

Address: ______

City/State/Zip: ______

Home Phone: ______Age: _____ Date of Birth: ______

Gender: Male or Female Email: ______

Current Special Olympics Area: ______

PART B - SPORTS BACKGROUND

Did the athlete/unified partner compete in the sport applying for within the past year? ______If Yes, which events did he/she compete within that sport? ______If No, why not? ______Did the athlete/unified partner win a gold medal in this sport within the past year? ______Number of years this athlete/unified partner has been training in sport of application? ______Previous out-of-state competitions attended: ______

PART C – SUPPORT INFORMATION Explain why you have nominated this athlete/unified partner for the 2014 USA National Games. List accomplishments, personal experiences, years of involvement, and any information you feel would be valuable to the selection committee.

PART D - PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT INFORMATION

Parent/Guardian Name: ______

Address: ______

City/State/Zip: ______

Phone: (day)______(evening)______(cell)______

Email: ______

PART D - SIGNATURES

As a parent/ guardian, I understand that I may be responsible for all of the following: transporting the athlete/unified partner to and from practices, attending meetings, assisting in the registration process, updating medical files, or any facet that would involve properly and efficiently preparing the applicant for this competition; and I am prepared to fulfill these responsibilities.

______Parent/Guardian Signature Date Relationship to Applicant

Person completing application if other than Parent/Guardian:

Name:______Relationship to Athlete Daytime Phone Number: ______Signature: ______Date: ______

Return to: Special Olympics Delaware USA National Games Selection Committee 619 South College Ave. Newark, DE 19716-1901 Fax: 302-831-3483

ALL applications must be received on or before September 20, 2013