Countdown to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
The excitement is building as we approach a major milestone: only one year remains until the
2026 Special Olympics USA Games! This prestigious event will bring together over
3,000 athletes from across the country, uniting the community and celebrating inclusivity through sports. Scheduled from
June 20 to June 26, 2026, the Games will showcase remarkable talent, determination, and athleticism in beautiful
Minnesota.
To kick off the countdown, the organizing committee has launched the
"Cheer Like a Champion" campaign. This nationwide digital initiative aims to encourage support for the athletes and honor their journey towards the Games. From June 20, fans are invited to participate by striking the iconic
“Cheer Like a Champion” pose—raising their arms toward the sky, snapping a photo, and sharing it online with the hashtags
#CheerLikeAChampion and
#2026USAGames. The Twin Cities will also be illuminated in golden lights as a tribute to the athletes, symbolizing hope and celebration.
A Weeklong Celebration of Ability and Inclusion
The
2026 USA Games will be one of the largest sporting events in the nation, featuring competitions in
16 Olympic-style sports hosted at esteemed venues like the
University of Minnesota and the
National Sports Center in Blaine. This event not only highlights the physical achievements of the participants but also serves as a humanitarian platform, focused on reshaping perceptions of inclusion and health through sports.
Event Highlights:
- - 3,000+ athletes and 1,500 coaches will be part of the event.
- - Competitions that include various sports such as athletics, basketball, bocce, swimming, and more.
- - 24 special events, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and community celebrations.
- - More than 10,000 volunteers contributing a wide array of skills over 20,000 shifts.
- - An estimated economic impact of $75-100 million showcasing Minnesota's hospitality and commitment to inclusivity.
“We are on the brink of something extraordinary,” shares
Christy Sovereign, CEO of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. “This moment reflects the essence of Minnesota and highlights the transformative power of the USA Games to foster inclusive mindsets. We invite everyone to join us in creating a lasting legacy of positive change.”
Hosting the
2026 USA Games is a historic opportunity for
Minnesota, marking the first time since 1991 that the state has welcomed an event of this magnitude for the Special Olympics community. The event aims not just to celebrate competition but to elevate discussions around inclusion and the capabilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities, driving forward the ethos that everyone deserves a stage.
How You Can Get Involved
Community members, organizations, and fans can join in the excitement as the countdown unfolds. Participation in the
"Cheer Like a Champion" campaign is just one way to showcase support. Individuals are encouraged to volunteer, attend the Games, and share experiences using the event hashtags to amplify the message of inclusion and positivity.
For more information and the latest updates, please visit
2026specialolympicsusagames.org and follow the official accounts on social media under
@2026USAGames.
The
2026 Special Olympics USA Games symbolize hope, ability, and unity. Let’s come together not only to cheer for our extraordinary athletes but to champion a cause that represents the very best of humanity—celebrating our differences and our shared love for sports!
Join us next year as we prepare to welcome the athletes, the supporters, and the spirit of sportsmanship to Minnesota!