Frequently Asked Questions Families

Our child/relative has been selected to participate in the 2014 USA Games, where can we find information pertaining to the Games? The 2014 Games official website is www.2014specialolympics.org and is constantly being updated with information, including feature articles on participants, tentative schedules, photo galleries, and much more.

What are the official dates of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games? The official dates for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games are June 14-21. The Family Center will open at 8:00am on Saturday, June 14. The Opening Ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 15 and competition will commence on Monday, June 16. The competition will conclude on Friday, June 20 and the Closing Ceremony is that same evening.

What airport do we fly into? There are several airports that service the Mercer County area including Philadelphia International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy. Additionally, we encourage families to check out Frontier Airline’s service directly into Mercer County Airport at: http://www.flyfrontier.com/

The driving distance from Philadelphia International Airport to Mercer County is: 45 miles The driving distance from Newark Liberty International Airport to Mercer County is: 47 miles The driving distance from LaGuardia Airport, New York to Mercer County is: 68 miles The driving distance from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Mercer County is: 72 miles

Is there train service available to and from Mercer County? Yes. Amtrak has two local stations, Trenton and Princeton Junction. For more information onAmtrak train service, visit www.amtrak.com

Also, NJ Transit connects with other transportation providers at major locations across . For more information on NJ Transit train service, visit www.njtransit.com

How do we register to attend the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games? A family registration link is being sent to all 52 Heads of Delegation and Family Program Coordinators in early November. The family registration link will also be available on our website www.2014specialolympics.org for families to register.

Have arrangements been made for family hotels? Special rates at designated family hotels are available for booking once families have completed registering for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games. A registration confirmation will be emailed to you that will include a hotel booking link and rental car booking link.

2014 Special Olympics USA Games, Inc. | 1 Way, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 | www.2014specialolympics.org

Created by the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation Authorized and Accredited by Special Olympics, Inc., for the Benefit of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities

Will families be able to attend Opening and Closing Ceremonies? Families will be able to attend Opening and Closing Ceremonies; however seating is limited to these events. Each participating Athlete and Unified Partner is eligible to receive two (2) tickets per event for family members. Registration for these events is available in the Games Family Registration process.

What other events are available to Families during the week in New Jersey? Just like Opening and Closing Ceremonies, each Athlete and Unified Partner is eligible to receive two (2) tickets to the Family Night for their family members. Registration for this event is available in the Games Family Registration process.

What is the distance from the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games to these area tourist destinations?

Destination Distance Six Flags Great Adventure 18 miles Asbury Park, New Jersey 38 miles Philadelphia 45 miles New York City 51 miles Atlantic City Boardwalk 70 miles Cape May, New Jersey 122 miles Baltimore, Maryland 148 miles Washington, DC 182 miles Boston, Massachusetts 266 miles

Will transportation be provided from “Family” Hotels to the various sports competition venues? Transportation logistics are still being determined and more details will be provided closer to the Games.

Is there someone I can contact regarding any specific questions I may have? A Family Program Coordinator for each Delegation has been designated that will be able to provide all pertinent “family” information such as registration, hotel reservations, restaurant listings, Opening and Closing Ceremonies tickets, transportation, event schedules, etc. A listing of the delegation Family Coordinators can be found on the Family Registration page.

What activities will take place at the Family Center and what are the hours of operation? The Games Family Center will be at Special Olympics New Jersey’s Sports Complex in Lawrenceville. Family service volunteers will staff the Center throughout the Games providing competition schedules, restaurant & attraction recommendations, and other assistance, as needed. Family registration packets, including reserved special event tickets and credentials, are to be picked up at the Center beginning on Saturday, June 14 at 8:00am. Family recreation and activities will be available for family members of all ages on the evenings of Tuesday, June 17 and Thursday, June 19. The Family Service Center hours are:

Date Hours Saturday, June 14, 2014 8:00am till 8:00pm Sunday, June 15, 2014 8:00am till 12:00pm Monday, June 16, 2014 8:00am till 9:00pm Tuesday, June 17, 2014 8:00am till 9:00pm Wednesday, June 18, 2014 8:00am till 9:00pm Thursday, June 19, 2014 8:00am till 9:00pm Friday, June 20, 2014 8:00am till 1:00pm Where will the official Sports Competition take place?

Location Venue - Sport

DeNunzio Pool - Aquatics Weaver Stadium - Athletics

Alumni Gym - Student Recreation Center -

Packer Hall - Basketball Lion’s Stadium - Bocce Kendall Hall - Power Lifting

Baseball Fields – Cycling Mercer Oaks East & West – Soccer Fields - Soccer Fields - Softball Center - Tennis Water Front -

Football Stadium - Flag Football Soccer Fields – Flag Football

Main Gym – Basketball Auxiliary Gym - Basketball

Ian H. Graham Athletic Center -

Carolier Lanes -