USA Gymnastics Special Paws Championships

The Georgia World Congress Center - Atlanta, Georgia

Host Hotels / Accommodations Available Here:

Accommodations

THIS EVENT SANCTIONED BY:
USA Gymnastics
and
Special Olympics North America

An open gymnastics competition for athletes with disabilities and unified partners

Hosted by:  Chattooga Gymnastics, Special Olympics Georgia, The Cobb County Special Olympics Gymnastics Team and Atlantas Paws for a Cause Invitational

---

Important Dates:

Competition - February 7-9, 2025
Registration Deadline  –  December 20, 2024
Refund Deadline -  January 1, 2025
Level Change Deadline - January 1, 2025
as space is available

---

Events:

Rhythmic Gymnastics (individual, Group, Unified)
Artistic Gymnastics (Men* Women, Unified)
​*NOTE - Men will compete 4 events:  Floor. Vault, Pommel Horse and High Bar per AAU 4x4 rules

Requirements / Competition Format

REQUIREMENTS:

• All HUGS Artistic and HUGS Rhythmic competitors must have a current USA Gymnastics athlete membership.
• Coaches with athletes competing in HUGS events must have a USA Gymnastics Professional Membership.
• AAU Special Stars competitors must have current AAU membership.
  
• Coaches with athletes competing in Special Stars must have a current AAU membership.
• Special Olympics competitors must have a current medical and release on file with their Program office (local/state/provincial/national). Unified partners are required to have the same membership/documentation, as their special needs partner.
• Coaches for Special Olympics disciplines must submit a signed confirmation letter from the program office with each entry.

COMPETITION FORMAT:

• RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS – Athletes have 2 choices for competition:  Special Olympics & USA Gymnastics HUGS.  Rules for competition & awards will follow either Special Olympics or HUGS guidelines.  Coaches should enter athletes on the appropriate Entry Form for either SO or HUGS.  Separate sessions will be run for each.  Unified is offered for all levels.
• MEN’S & WOMEN’S ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS – Male athletes have 2 choices for competition: Special Olympics & USA Gymnastics HUGS. Rules for competition & awards will follow either Special Olympics or HUGS guidelines. Female athletes have 3 choices for competition: Special Olympics, USA Gymnastics HUGS and AAU Special Stars. Coaches should enter athletes on the appropriate Entry Form for either SO, HUGS or AAU. Separate sessions will be run for each. Unified is offered for all levels. NOTE: BOYS EQUIPMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE. Boys will compete pommel horse using the balance beam & high bar on women's uneven bars​

THE GALA TRADITION:

• GALA – During the competition on Saturday, February 8, all teams are invited to perform an exhibition routine in the Gala (3 minute maximum).  The Gala will be held on the rhythmic floor, so artistic equipment will not be available.

MEET DIRECTOR:  Cindy Bickman  [email protected]

Download Fact Sheet Here

---

2025 REGISTRATION: 
Entry forms are available by clicking the button below.
Athletes may enter two disciplines (Rhythmic, Artistic)

GIFT: To commemorate the first Special Paws Championships, all competitors & coaches will receive a special gift.

2025 ENTRY FEES:
one discipline - $85
two disciplines - $110
​Entry deadline:  December 31, 2024

NON-US CITIZEN COMPETITORS AND COACHES
Please complete the Foreign Athletes, Coaches and Judges form linked here and return with your meet entry form.
All "Foreign Coach and Foreign Athlete" fees will be waived by USAG.

REGISTRATION FORMS

---

PAYMENT

Paying by Check:

Please Make checks payable to:     Ultimate Gym Sports (UGS)
Please Mail Registrations forms and / or payment to:
Ultimate Gym Sports
2700 Braselton Hwy.
Suite 10-265
​Dacula, GA  30019

---