Mike Vrabel To Speak At Special Olympics Tennessee’s Summer Games Opening Ceremonies

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Photo: Courtesy of the Special Olympics Tennessee

Special Olympics Tennessee’s (SOTN) State Summer Games return this week at Lipscomb University, Lipscomb Academy and Williamson County Indoor Sports Complex, including an array of awards as well as a speech by Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel.

The games will feature six different Special Olympics sports with more than 800 athletes and Unified Partners from across the state participating.

Opening Ceremonies for State Summer Games will take place this Friday, May 19 from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. CT at Allen Arena on the Lipscomb University campus. The entire community is encouraged to attend this free event to cheer on Special Olympics Tennessee athletes.

Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel with campers at Camp59. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

During competition on May 20, athletes will compete in Bocce, Powerlifting, Aquatics, Tennis, Track & Field and Volleyball. Competitions will begin at 8 a.m. CT. For the full schedule, click here.

“We’re thrilled to be back to our pre-pandemic numbers of athletes competing,” says Cate Simon, Director of Competitions for Special Olympics Tennessee. “Having more of our athletes compete from across the state means a better competition and more inclusion of people in our community. With Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel speaking to pump up our athletes, they’ll easily be ready to compete and set new personal records.”

Photo: Courtesy of the Special Olympics Tennessee

To kick off the event, law enforcement agencies from across the state will take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The run will begin at 1st Avenue and Broadway in downtown Nashville at 3 p.m. CT. The run will then make its way to the Lipscomb University campus at 4:30 p.m. Participating departments include Metro Nashville Police Department, Brentwood Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, Knoxville Police Department, Memphis Police Department, Tennessee Department of Correction, Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, TVA Inspector General’s Office, Manchester Police Department, Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office, Vanderbilt Campus Police and more.

Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the “Flame of Hope” into Opening Ceremonies of competitions.

Throughout the event, SOTN athletes will also take part in Healthy Athletes screenings at the Health Village presented by Lifepoint Health. Opening Eyes will offer free vision screenings and Healthy Hearing will provide free ear screenings screening. Additionally, Special Smiles will offer free dental screenings and instructions on correct brushing and flossing techniques. There will also be fitness and nutrition booths to help educate athletes on healthy food and drink choices through Health Promotion.

Photo: Courtesy of the Special Olympics Tennessee

“Opening Eyes, Healthy Hearing, Special Smiles and Health Promotion Healthy Athlete events are an opportunity for our athletes to receive much needed health screenings and education,” says Dr. Natalee Kamau, Director of Health & Fitness for Special Olympics Tennessee. “These opportunities allow for us to assess needs in the areas of vision, hearing, oral and general fitness and nutrition so that our athletes can participate at their highest level.”

Throughout the weekend, SOTN athletes will also be treated to group dinners, a victory celebration after the events and more. The public is encouraged to attend any of the events to cheer on athletes as they compete. Registration is also open for Young Athletes, a program for children ages three to 10 with and without disabilities. For more information, click here.

Volunteer opportunities are also available for members of the community to support Summer Games, including setup, check-in, monitoring competitions, meal distribution and more. For more information, click here.

Steven Boero
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