USA & World Games

In addition to the sports competitions in Massachusetts, Special Olympics Massachusetts athletes have the opportunity to compete on the national and international stages. Every two years a World Games is held – alternating between summer and winter games. Every four years USA Games showcases spring, summer and fall sports. To qualify for a USA or World games team, athletes must earn a gold medal in a state level competition among other application requirements. Applications for USA and world games will be made available at the beginning of the selection process.

The next World Games will take place March 14-21 in Abu Dhabi. The basketball team from Shrewsbury will represent Massachusetts and the United States on the international stage and face off against teams from around the world. This is the first time the games will be held in the Middle East.

Check out the article from the Community Advocate about the basketball team heading to the UAE with Special Olympics USA. If you are a member of the press and would like any information or to contact any of the athletes, please contact charles.hirsch@specialolympicsma.org. Additional media information can be found in the World Games section below.

World Games

2019 World Summer Games

World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

March 14 – 21, 2019

Special Olympics USA logo

Athletes from Massachusetts competing for Special Olympics USA at the 2019 World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:

Basketball:

Colin Davidson
Ryan Dixon
Zachary Englehart
Joseph Jamros
Matthew Millett
Brian Millis
Liam O’Brien
Matthew Roy
Josh Sargent
Marc Russell
Bill O’Brien (Coach)
Keith Peabody (Coach)
Merrill Englehart (Coach)

Golf:

George Kent III (Coach)

Triathlon:

Pat Diskin (Coach)

Soccer:

Bob Trudeau (Official)

World Games Media Resources:

Special Olympics USA 2019 World Games Fact Sheet
Athlete and Coach Bios on Special Olympics USA website
Official Head Shots
Training Camp Photos – University of Delaware, September 17-22, 2018
Fun Photos from Training Camp
Press Release
For further information or to contact any member of the delegation, please contact Charles Hirsch.

USA Games

The USA Games were held in 2018 from July 1-6 in Seattle, Washington. Special Olympics Massachusetts sent a delegation of 50 athletes and 28 coaches, staff and Unified partners to participate. The games showcased the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities and promoted the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport. Team Massachusetts came home with 41 medals! Read more about how Team Massachusetts did at the 2018 USA Games on our blog.

Watch the Team Massachusetts Announcement hosted by Bank of America

Individual Sports

10 pin bowling

Paul Carey from Millbury
Brandon Moore from North Attleboro
Laurene Rice from Worcester
Angela Swett from Worcester
Coached by Eric Mahoney from Auburn

Gymnastics

Samantha Berndt from Rutland
Samantha Vayo from Worcester
Coached by Margaret Szluga from Northborough

Golf

Tyler Lagasse from Tyngsboro
Coached by George Kent from Hopkinton

Powerlifting

Joe Morrill from Holliston
Coached by Craig Buckley from Milford

Swimming

Timothy Canty from Auburn, MA
Meghan Colby from Gloucester
David Kriensky from West Bridgewater
Rebecca Zimmerman from Stoughton
Coached by Ann Marie Dawes from Douglas

Track & field

Joshua Brennan from Salisbury, CT competes with the Berkshire Red Raiders
Patrick Adams from Enfield, CT competes with Greater Springfield
Chris Charest from Worcester
Kelsey Gaffney from Milford
Alyssa Neil from Holyoke
Greg Schwartz from Medfield
Abby Tetrault from Hyannis
Rachel Wheeler from Springfield
Coached by Christin Santiago-Calling from West Bridgewater and Tim Walsh from Milford

Team Sports

Basketball

Shrewsbury Pioneers
- Colin Davidson
- Ryan Dixon
- Zachary Englehart
- Joseph Jamros
- Matthew Millett
- Brian Mills
- William O’Brien
- Matthew Roy
- Joshua Sargent
- Joseph Walsh
- Coaches by Bill O’Brien and Keith Peabody

Flag Football (Unified)

Haverhill Stars Angels
- Greggory Chicoine
- Jonathan Hogan
- Nick Johnson
- Joseph Murach
- Brandon Tobin
- Sarah Tobin
- Alex Zamansky
- Andrew Zamansky
- Eric Zamansky
- Noah Zamansky
- Coached by Jay Barnes and Joseph Tobin

Soccer (Traditional)

Milford Fire Hawks
- Michael Bearer
- Sean Bernier
- Jay Brown
- Michael Chau
- Melissa Clough
- Matthew Grimes
- Shaquille Medina
- Matthew Miller
- Joseph Stone
- JP Young
- Coached by Alex Cimino, Brandon Corshini, and Josh Trautwein

Team Massachusetts Alternates

10 Pin Bowling

Mary Kate Amentea
Joel Goodrow
Heather St. Germain
Mark Pecor