For one week last summer, tennis at Mercer County Park was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Nearly 3,500 athletes spent a week competing in the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games around various New Jersey sites, with tennis taking place at the Mercer County Park tennis facility. Tennis included singles, doubles and unified doubles.

For Tennis Commissioner Nancy Wilkins, the week represented more than a year of hard work. It also represented thousands of athletes getting a chance to do what they love most: compete.

“The athletes and their families waited and trained for this for months,” Wilkins said. “It was an unbelievable week. Something that I’ll never forget.”

The athletes on hand couldn’t have been more appreciative. Whether they were thanking the volunteers or congratulating other athletes around them, the week was loaded with sportsmanship and positivity. From the courts to the award ceremonies, there were nothing but high-fives, hugs and handshakes.

In addition to the athletes competing at each venue, the 2014 USA Games featured 1,000 coaches, 10,000 volunteers, and approximately 70,000 family and friends who cheered them on.

Click here for a gallery of images from the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games.