Special Olympics New Mexico Announces Delegation for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games

20 Special Olympics Athletes and Unified Partners from New Mexico to Compete in Orlando, Florida

March 10, 2022 – Albuquerque, New Mexico: Special Olympics New Mexico is proud to announce that it will send a 36-member delegation, including 20 Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners, to represent New Mexico at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, held June 5–12, 2022, in Orlando, Florida.

Team New Mexico is comprised of 18 athletes, 2 Unified partners, 5 coaches, 1 Athlete Input Council member, 2 Unified Champion Schools® students, and 8 staff. The delegation will compete in 5 of the 19 Olympic-type sports offered at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, including: Track & Field, Bocce, Bowling, Golf, and Swimming.

Note: The full roster for Team Special Olympics New Mexico is available on our website: https://sonm.org/about/2022usagames/

“It is such an honor and privilege to represent New Mexico at USA Games,” said Abe Assaad, Special Olympics athlete competing in Track & Field at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. “I love to meet a lot of people and make new friends and my goal is to win a medal and represent New Mexico and Special Olympics athletes in the best way.”

The Special Olympics USA Games, which is hosted every four years, will mark the largest humanitarian event in Florida’s history. The event will unite more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean. Over 10,000 volunteers will fill more than 20,000 volunteer shifts during the week. It is anticipated over 125,000 families, friends and spectators will witness the inspiring athletic accomplishments in 19 Olympic-style team and individual sports and more than 30 events at world-class venues across Orlando, centered at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort.

Attending the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is extra special for Special Olympics New Mexico as New Mexico was the only state unable to attend the 2018 USA Games due to a loss in funding. Special Olympics New Mexico has not sent a team to USA Games since 2014.

Athletes, Unified partners, and coaches were selected for Team New Mexico based on their event scores from previous competitions.

“Sending Special Olympics athletes from New Mexico to the USA Games will be one of the greatest sports experiences of their lives,” said Special Olympics New Mexico Executive Director Randy Mascorella.  “They will get to the Games well-trained and prepared to do their very best.  They will march into Opening Ceremonies representing all New Mexicans, and they will accept the medals they win with pride.  Let’s celebrate not only their accomplishments but also celebrate who they are and the value they bring to us every day.”

About the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games

The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is scheduled for June 5-12, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. Jersey Mike’s Subs is the Presenting Partner, and the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is hosted by Disney. During this magical week, more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean will travel to Florida to unite in one of the country’s most cherished sporting events. The USA Games is hosted once every four years and showcases 19 Olympic-style team and individual sports and 30 events throughout the week including forums and VIP receptions. Website: www.2022usagames.org

About Special Olympics New Mexico

Special Olympics New Mexico provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. Today, Special Olympics New Mexico serves more than 3,700 athletes, offering training and competition in 12 sports. Special Olympics New Mexico is sponsored year-round and state-wide by New Mexico True, Law Enforcement Torch Run, Chick-fil-A, Legacy Church, Chevrolet, BlueCross BlueShield of New Mexico, Rudy’s “Country Store and Bar-B-Q”, and Delta Dental. Learn more about Special Olympics New Mexico at: https://sonm.org

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