The individuals who will compete in the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games are children and adults with intellectual disabilities from throughout our country who will demonstrate superior athletic skills in both team and individual play in both Traditional and Unified Competitive events.

Chris Harold

Hometown: Freehold, NJ

Sports: Golf

Chris Harold of Freehold, NJ was recently selected to be a 2014 USA Games Athlete Ambassador. Harold, a Global Messenger for Special Olympics New Jersey, has been competing in New Jersey for eight years. In 2010, he attended the National Games in Nebraska where he competed in golf with his dad Ray. Together, the alternate shot team brought home a gold medal for New Jersey. That same year, Harold was presented with the S. Michael Higgins Scholarship Award at the Special Olympics New Jersey’s Awards Dinner for his passion towards sport and his commitment to training.

When he’s not practicing his golf swing out on the course (or on the driving range he set up in his front yard), 19-year-old Harold trains and competes with the Monmouth Marlins aquatics team. At the 2011 Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games, he took home four silver medals.

As an Athlete Ambassador for the 2014 USA Games, Harold will speak to volunteer groups, supporters and schools throughout the state to bring awareness to the 2014 USA Games.

Coaches who will be attending the 2014 USA Games, will have dedicated months preparing the athletes representing their State’s Program for competition on the national stage in any of the 16 sports being contested. Their commitment to player skill development, competition strategies, fitness and more, will result in athletes' performances worthy of national recognition.

Thousands of family members representing and supporting athletes from throughout the country will be in attendance at the Games. Their support and encouragement year- round will provide the foundation for the success of their athlete's experience on the playing field that will continue through sport in communities throughout the US.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our child/relative has been selected to participate in the 2014 Special Olympics 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.

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

What airport do we fly into?
The driving distance from Philadelphia International Airport to Mercer County, New Jersey is: 45 miles
The driving distance from Newark Liberty International Airport to Mercer County, New Jersey is: 47 miles
The driving distance from LaGuardia Airport, New York to Mercer County, New Jersey is: 68 miles
The driving distance from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Mercer County, New Jersey is: 72 miles
Additionally, we encourage families to check out Frontier Airline’s service directly into Mercer County Airport at: http://www.flyfrontier.com

Is there train service available to and from Mercer County?
Yes. Amtrak has two local stations, Trenton and Princeton Junction. Go to http://www.amtrak.com/home Also, NJ Transit connects with other transportation providers at major locations across New Jersey. Go to http://www.njtransit.com/hp/hp_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=HomePageTo

How do we register to attend the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games?
A registration link on our website www.2014specialolympics.org will be available for families to register to attend. Information will be available this spring through your delegation’s family coordinator should you have any registration questions. We also recommend checking the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games website for continuous updates.

Have arrangements been made for family hotels?
Special rates at designated family hotels are presently being negotiated for and will be available for booking as part of the family registration process.

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

Will transportation be provided from “family” hotels to the different sports venues?
Transportation logistics are being determined. It is our goal to provide family transportation to the sporting venues from designated family hotels.

Where will the sporting events take place?

Location	Venue/Sport
	DeNunzio Pool - Aquatics Weaver Stadium - Athletics
	Alumni Gym - Basketball Student Recreation Center - Volleyball
	Lion's Stadium - Bocce Kendall Hall - Power Lifting Packer Hall - Basketball
	Soccer Fields - Soccer Softball Fields - Softball Tennis Center - Tennis Water Front - Triathlon Mercer Oaks East & West - Golf
	Football Stadium - Flag Football Soccer Fields - Flag Football
	Main Gym - Basketball Auxiliary Gym - Basketball
	Ian H. Graham Athletic Center - Gymnastics
	Carolier Lanes - Bowling

Is there someone I can contact regarding any specific questions I may have?
A family coordinator for each Delegation will be designated within the next few months that will be able to provide all pertinent “family” information like registration, hotel reservations, restaurant listings, opening ceremony tickets, transportation, event schedules, etc.

In 2014, New Jersey will reveal America's Champions at a historic, life and perception-changing event. From the moment athletes arrive in New Jersey, they will encounter a world-class sporting event that celebrates their achievements and showcases their talents, while empowering the nation to join in building communities of respect and acceptance. The 2014 USA Games will provide an opportunity to showcase New Jersey's humanitarianism, progressiveness and the state's ability and desire to host events of this caliber and significance. In order for us to be successful in our mission, we need your help. As you are well aware, volunteers will serve as the backbone of the 2014 USA Games.

If you are interested in receiving information on general volunteer opportunities, please submit your email here.

We will keep in touch with updated information through a monthly e-update.

We are actively recruiting volunteers for leadership roles that will help plan and execute this high caliber event. These positions require a commitment of five to ten hours a week leading up to the 2014 USA Games as well as the duration of the 2014 USA Games.

Opportunities are available in sport specific areas, communications, administrative and special events. Please visit Volunteer Registration.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where will volunteers be needed for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games?
Approximately 10,000 volunteers will be needed across Mercer County to assist at competition and special event venues. Some positions may require sport-specific knowledge while other roles will be available in food and beverage, transportation and special events, just to name a few.

Is there an age requirement?
Age requirements will vary by position and duties needed. We are in the process of developing specific volunteer requirements and will provide this information as it becomes available.

Do volunteers need to attend training?
Volunteers will need to attend some training to become familiar with their role and the Games. We are in the process of developing specific volunteer training requirements and will provide this information as it becomes available.

What will 2014 USA Games volunteers do?
Volunteers will work in a variety of roles, from helping run competitions, to helping distribute meals, to providing general information to spectators and families. We are working on identifying volunteer roles and will provide more information as it becomes available.

How many shifts do volunteers have to work?
We are in the process of developing volunteer requirements and will provide this information as it becomes available.

Can I decide what kind of volunteer work to do?
There will be many options for volunteers with different skills and interests. You will have an opportunity to request certain roles and responsibilities.

How many volunteers will be needed during the 2014 USA Games?
Approximately 10,000 volunteers will assist throughout the 2014 USA Games.

How do I sign up to become a volunteer?
Volunteer Registration for the 2014 USA Games will be available in early 2014. We encourage individuals interested in assisting with the 2014 USA Games to register to be a part of the 2013 National Invitational Tournaments in the sports of Golf and Softball. Please sign up on our website of your interest to volunteer at the 2014 USA Games so you receive newsletters and announcements. We also recommend liking the 2014 USA Games on Facebook and following on Twitter at @2014USAGAMES for all the latest news.

Are volunteer opportunities available now?
We are currently developing volunteer committees to assist with the planning of the 2014 USA Games. Time commitments vary based on position, but average a couple of hours a week beginning now and leading up to the Games. We also encourage individuals interested in assisting with the 2014 USA Games to register to be a part of the 2013 National Invitational Tournaments in the sports of Golf and Softball.

Is there anyone I can contact with additional questions?
Email volunteer@2014SpecialOlympics.org with any additional questions you may have.

Thank you for your interest in the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games. Please complete the following form or mail us using the information below.

2014 Special Olympics USA Games
3 Princess Rd.
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648