In June 2026, the Twin Cities will host as many as 4,000 athletes, 10,000 volunteers, 1,500 coaches and 75,000 fans from all 50 states, parts of Canada and the Caribbean. 37 Unified partners. To stay up to date on the 2026 USA Games or to get involved locally, please visit Special Olympics Minnesotas website at somn.org and follow the organization on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok. Good day to all our readers! Home - Special Olympics Minnesota 2026 Special Olympics USA Games - YouTube 0:00 / 0:55 2026 Special Olympics USA Games 1,454 views May 6, 2022 46 Dislike Share Special Olympics Minnesota 432 subscribers. The Twin Cities will host the Special Olympics USA Games in 2026, state officials announced Friday. Fax: 612.333.8782. Special Olympics USA Games - Instagram The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, scheduled for June of that year, is expected to bring up to 4,000 athletes, 10,000 volunteers, 1,500 coaches and 75,000 fans to the Twin Cities area, according . Tim Walz announced the news late Friday morning at the University of Minnesota, saying the 2026 games . So I might start where I hit off the first tee, and then Darrel takes a second hit, we keep going, we alternate shots. USA Games - SONC By Randy Furst Star Tribune May 6, 2022 5:25pm Rene Jones. The Special Olympics began in 1968 to give people with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to develop athletic skills. Im excited that theyre going to come here and have so much fun. The games will include 15 Olympic-type team and individual sports as well as five demonstration sports competitions that are not typically held at the state level, such as stand-up paddleboard and cheerleading. Special Olympics USA games coming to Twin Cities in 2026 The event is expected to draw 4,000 athletes and 75,000 fans. I always felt most comfortable in sports competition, it was my escape, my first love and a way to prove myself. Historically, the Games have generated over $70 million dollars of economic impact for their host city. State & Sectional Events - Special Olympics Pennsylvania Its corporate citizenship programs use the power of sport to positively address societys most pressing needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. We look forward to seeing everyone out in the community supporting these athletes as they pursue their goals at the highest levels of competition.. Christine Sovereign, senior managing director and Minneapolis office managing director of Accenture, will be the CEO of the 2026 games and Adam Hjerpe, a UnitedHealth executive, will serve as board chair. Local people who are spending money for tickets, food and beverages would spend it elsewhere in Minnesota if the Special Olympics were not in town, he said. 96 Special Olympics athletes. Special Olympics USA Games (@2026USAGames) / Twitter See results from the 2022 Berlin National Games. Get inspired with stories of joy, perseverance, and achievement. Make a gift of any amount today to support this resource for everyone. The USA Games featured more than 4,000 athletes competing in 14 different sports. Our university shares the same goals of the Games in transforming lives through inclusion and celebrating each persons greatest ability, Gabel said in a news release. By Randy Furst From Star Tribune. I am proud and excited that Minnesota will host the 2026 USA Special Olympics Games, said Governor Tim Walz. With excitement in his voice, Collins Clingman talks about his lifelong passion for the Green Bay Packers and Iowa Hawkeye football. The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will take place in Minnesota, bringing together athletes, coaches and fans who will showcase inclusion, competition and how to unify the world through sport. USA Summer Games are held every four years. The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games brought 3,500 athletes to the greater Orlando area to compete in a variety of . Special Olympics Minnesota offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competition. News - Special Olympics Iowa Amy Selvey, an active member of SHAPE America, uses the skills and resources received from SHAPE to help her coach Special Olympics Florida athletes. He said, for example, if a visitor from out of state is paying $200 a night for a hotel room, that money goes to the corporate headquarters of the company somewhere else, not Minnesota. Competition schedule and results for world and regional games. In June 2026, the Twin Cities will host as many as 4,000 athletes, 10,000 volunteers, 1,500 coaches and 75,000 fans from all 50 states, parts of Canada and the Caribbean. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Jersey Mike's donated 100 percent of its sales that day to support the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. Special Olympics World Games - Wikipedia Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization that empowers people with intellectual disabilities. USA Games & World Games - Special Olympics of South Dakota Gov. With the support of more than 1 million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 32 Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 games and competitions throughout the year. Exploria Stadium to Host 2022 Special Olympics USA Games Opening More than 200 people. But Knauss said theyre already excited to have the event in the Twin Cities. Be a part of history by volunteering at the biggest humanitarian event in the United States. Joining Hjerpe on the Executive Board will be Dave Dorn, CEO of Special Olympics Minnesota and Wendy Williams Blackshaw, CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events. The opening ceremony was held on June 5th at Exploria Stadium and was produced by Disney Live Entertainment featuring performances from Sara Bareilles and others. The budget for the event exceeded $15M. The new eight-year programming agreement will see ESPN continue as the Global Broadcast Partner of signature Special Olympics events through 2027, including the World Games, World Winter Games and USA Games. We look forward to seeing everyone out in the community supporting these athletes as they pursue their goals at the highest levels of competition.. Christine Sovereign, senior managing director and Minneapolis office managing director of Accenture, will be the CEO of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, serving as a loaned executive from the company. It is the only publication written and designed to serve the people who organize, manage and host sporting events of all types at all levels. On average, it cost Special Olympics Ohio $1,500 per delegate to participate in . The Games Founding Partners included 21st Century Fox,[8] Barnabas Health,[9] HESS,[10] KPMG,[11] NJSEA,[12] Prudential,[13] PSE&G,[14] ShopRite,[15] Toys"R"Us[16] and WWE. Historically, the Games have generated over $70 million dollars of economic impact for their host city. 2026 Special Olympics USA Games posted on LinkedIn Special Olympics USA Games 2026 (host city TBD) Special Olympics World Games (host city TBD) Following ESPN's unprecedented coverage of Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015, ESPN signed on as the movement's Global Broadcast Partner. Learn more about hosing an international Special Olympics event. Since then, ESPN and Special Olympics have continued to raise the bar for coverage signature events at Special Olympics World Winter Games Austria 2017, 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, and Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. ESPN's Coverage of Special Olympics USA Games Orlando Begins June 5 In the past year alone, ESPN presented 40 short films showcasing our athletes, coaches, parents, and other game changers. Get more information about Special . Theres no denying it: Clingman is in his element whenever sports are involved. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and tickets cost $55 each. Minnesota has won a bid to host the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Competition schedule and results for world and regional games. Event . Olympics Minnesota to host the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Gov. WE ARE SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA. Under the new extension of its Global Presenting Sponsorship, ESPN and Special Olympics will: ESPN and The Walt Disney Company are proud of their nearly 35-year relationship with Special Olympics, together helping to move towards an end to discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. Orlando, Florida, will host the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games from June 5-12. Dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition, Special Olympics Unified Sports brings people with and without intellectual disabilities together to play, train and compete. In addition to its programming agreement, ESPN will continue to be the Global Presenting Sponsor of Special Olympics Unified Sports, extending a role it has held since 2013. Innocence Project seeks to exonerate Marvin Haynes of 2004 north Minneapolis flower shop killing, Lois Glewwe was keeper of South St. Paul's history. Get in touch with us to volunteer, become an athlete, join a Unified Sports team, work as a coach and learn about upcoming events. Minnesota Wins Bid to Host the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Thousands of athletes, families and fans will attend the games in June 2026 Athletes Special Olympics Colorado Athlete Tania Wright Selected for USA Games in First Year Competing The Twin Cities hosted the 1991 International Special Olympics, which drew nearly 130,000 fans over seven days of competition in 16 sports. Hear about Special Olympics impact from around the world. . The Games will be comprised of 15 Olympic-type team and individual sports, as well as five demonstration sports. Christine Sovereign, senior managing director and Minneapolis office managing director of Accenture, will be the CEO of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, serving as a loaned executive from the company. Breaking News, Podcasts and Analysis Serving People who Organize, Manage and Host Sports Events. 1963 days. June 2026! 13.9k Followers, 336 Following, 876 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Special Olympics USA Games (@specialolympicsusagames) 13.9k Followers, 336 Following, 876 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Special Olympics USA Games (@specialolympicsusagames) . We are thrilled to welcome the Special Olympics athletes and their families to our world-class University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus in June of 2026, said President Joan Gabel, Honorary Co-Chair for the 2026 USA Games. ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Thousands of athletes, coaches and spectators from across the country and the Caribbean have traveled to Central Florida for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.