SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEBRASKA
STATE GAMES
AUGUST 2, 2025, LINCOLN NE
OMAHA TENNIS BUDDIES
INFORMATION PAGE
2025 SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEBRASKA STATE GAMES
INFORMATION FOR OMAHA TENNIS BUDDIES
Updated 7-31-25
Special Olympics Nebraska State Games
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Location: Woods Tennis Center
401 S 33rd St.
Lincoln, NE 68510
402-441-7095
Coaches' Phone Numbers:
Nancy: 402-981-2730
Tammy 402-670-7277
Terri 402-306-1730
ARRIVAL TIME: Inside players will have different start times with the earliest being 9:00. If you have a 9:00 match plan to arrive at 8:30. If you have a later starting match, plan to arrive half hour before that scheduled match.
Green Division should all arrive at 8:30 with first matches starting at 9:00.
UNIFORM: BRIGHT YELLOW dri-fit Tennis Buddies shirt with white or black shorts/skorts (if possible shorts with pockets), tennis shoes that will not mark the courts (NO fashion shoes!!!). You will be receiving a new bright yellow shirt! Many of our shirts are wearing out so we decided to surprise everyone with a new shirt. You can change into the new one or you can wear the old one. They are similar, but not exactly the same. We hope you like them. When you check in you will will get the shirt and then you need to change or secure it somewhere safe.
CHECK IN: When you arrive at Woods you will find the 3 tables for Omaha Tennis Buddies.
Athlete/Volunteer
There is an athlete check-in and volunteer check-in table. You will also pick up your new shirt there. Patti and Lauren Tobia will be manning that table.
Big Red Raffle
There will also be a Big Red Raffle table for you to connect with Terri Fuxa and Lee Cooney and pick up what you need or to drop off your donation. We ask that all athletes sell at a minimum 2 books of tickets with a value of $40. This is the only fundraiser that we do and 100% of sales goes directly to Omaha Tennis Buddies. This helps fund the additional fun days, our trip to Vala's and the ALL Stars Tournament, balls, court fees, racquet maintainance, uniforms and bags.
Green Division
The last table is for the Green Division and manned by Tony Hames and Ada Foral. If your athlete is in the Green Division you should find a shady spot to sit outside and wait for warm-ups to start. That event will start at 9:00.
INSIDE COACH/DIRECTOR
Tammy Hill will be the inside director. She will have all the schedules with her. Be sure that your athlete is at the staging area 10 MIN. BEFORE their scheduled match time! That way we can keep things moving and maybe even get a little ahead.
AWARDS AUDIENCE
If it is at all possible, when you hear that awards are being done, please move to that outside area and give the athletes the recognition they have worked so hard for.
WHAT TO BRING FOR INSIDE ATHLETES: those playing singles, doubles, unified doubles
Patience and sportsmanship
tennis bag with racquet
tennis shoes (NO fashion shoes!!!)
2 pairs of socks (If you feet get too sweaty)
towel or chill towel
refillable water bottle
lunch (if you did not order one ahead of time)
Gatorade or Powerade if you like
energy snacks-bananas, oranges, raisins, trail mix...
Volunteer/partner Thank you note and treat bag
WHAT TO BRING FOR OUTSIDE GREEN DIVISION ATHLETES
Patience and Sportsmanship
tennis bag with racquet
tennis shoes (NO fashion shoes)
towel or chill towel
refillable water bottle
lunch (if you did not order one ahead of time)
Gatorade or Powerade if you like
energy snacks-bananas, oranges, raisins, trail mix...
hat
sunscreen
umbrella (for sun)
lawn chairs
***Don't forget to plan for yourselves and other fans. Water and shade are always the most important! And snacks!
Pack a picnic lunch or grab your box lunch and we will all eat together after the Green Division awards!
Volunteer/partner Thank you note and treat bag
SCHEDULE AND AWARDS SCHEDULE- CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE for the playing schedule for the inside play and the awards schedule. Please print and bring with you. Highlight your athlete's matches and award times so you will be at each event ON TIME! Please print and bring with you. If you have any questions, Please note that some singles matches will be played outside. Tammy will be inside to help you out. I will be outside with the Green Division until about noon.
TREAT BAGS
You can hand out your treat bags when you get together with your partner/volunteer. If you have an extra bag or a bag for a volunteer that is working the tables, ask and someone will help you find that person. Remember this is the last time we will be able to show our appreciation to our partners/volunteers!
LUNCHES
If you did not order a lunch for your athlete from me then I would suggest that you pack something for them to eat and snack on. There is no food available at the venue.
Inside players-Your lunches will be inside in coolers. Pick them up when you have a break. Tin and Christine Tran will have the clipboard and will check you off when you pick it up. Ethan C and Grace G be sure to ask for your gluten free lunch.
Inside Volunteers-Your lunches wil be inside in coolers. Pick them up when you have a break. Coleen and John Underwood will have the clipboard and will check you off when you pick it up.
Outside players and volunteers-Your lunches wil be outside in coolers. Pick them up after awards. Sara Cline will have the clipboard and will check you off when you pick it up. We will gather together after awards and enjoy our lunches together. Parents and fans should bring a lunch to eat too! Remember to bring lawn chairs so that we can sit together.
There are restrooms and drinking fountains in the facility which is air-conditioned if you get too hot. It should be a beautiful day!
We are so excited to see our athletes showcase their skills. Good luck everyone!
Divisions:
Green Division: This is played on a smaller court with a low compression ball. An athlete will be paired with a volunteer player for each match. They are allowed more than one bounce as these are athletes that are just learning or need more time to keep the ball in play. They may play just this event.
Unified Doubles: This event is played on a full court with an athlete paired with a volunteer vs an athlete and a volunteer. They are allowed one bounce and play regulation tennis rules. They may play just this event.
Doubles: This event is two athletes vs two athletes. They will play regulation tennis. May also play singles if desired.
Singles: This event is athlete vs athletes. They will play regulation tennis.