The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games came to Minneapolis June 20-26, with nearly 3,000 athletes from all 50 states competing across 16 team and individual sports.
Updates from the Special Olympics
Marquel Russell shines at USA Games, eyes 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Santiago
Marquel Russell stands near the starting line and does a box jump to relax his muscles. He closes his eyes and lets his body loosen up. It's important that his body is loose, and his mind is focused so he can get the most out of his run. It's just seconds before the 100m final at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. He sinks into the starting blocks and ignores all the external factors; it's just him and the track. He says of the start, "I listen to that boom, then shoo, I go off." Read more, from RJ Nealon
Special Olympics Northern California adds hardware to medal collection
It's a warm, cloudy day at the University of Minnesota Track & Field Stadium. Special Olympics Northern California athlete Patrick Underly is with his team, surrounded by state Programs from across the country. On the track, Patrick stands near the starting line. It's his first time at Special Olympics USA Games, and it's the 400m sprint. He gives it his all, pushing himself to the limit and persevering even when he gets tired. Read more, from Christian Holleman
USA Games start to wrap up in Minneapolis
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games are heading into its last day of competition, and so many memories have been made. It's hard to believe that the week is almost over and we're already at the end. Watching athletes represent the 52 Programs here in Minneapolis has been nothing short of amazing. Read more, from RJ Nealon
Faces of the fans
Long before the starting whistles sounded and the first medals were awarded, the heart of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games could be found in the stands and on the streets of Minneapolis. Families, friends, teammates, coaches, and volunteers filled arenas, fields and venues with handmade signs, tears of pride, joyful cheers and unwavering encouragement. Read more, with photos by Anna Murray
Day 2 of competition highlights athletes across multiple sports
The second day of competition at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games was cut short due to inclement weather, but not before some memorable moments. Before outdoor events were halted, athletes showcased speed on the track, excitement and enthusiasm at gymnastics, and pride on the football and soccer fields. Read more, from RJ Nealon
Unified Sports Challenge takes on Allianz Field
On the University of Minnesota campus, the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games is showcasing 16 sports, and 3,000 athletes from across the country are here to win one thing --gold. But, more than any medal, they want to highlight why inclusion is important and why it's needed in sports. Read more, from RJ Nealon
Day 1 of competition is a wrap
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games are officially underway, and the competition is now in high gear. Athletes from programs across the country are now competing in 16 sports across the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center. Read more, from RJ Nealon
USA Games are underway
All over the University of Minnesota and at the National Sports Center, athletes had the opportunity to settle into life in the dorms and feel out what each respective venue is like before competition starts. For many of the athletes, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and they're enjoying every second of it. Read more, from RJ Nealon
Let the Games begin!
It's a crisp, sun-kissed sky in Minneapolis. Just past the plaza entrance of Huntington Bank Stadium, the city skyline sits perfectly in the end zone corner. The roar of athletes representing Programs across the Special Olympics North America region can be heard throughout Opening Ceremony. Read more, from Christian Holleman
More on the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
How to watch:
Saturday, June 20
Opening Ceremony: 7:30-10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+/Disney+)
Sunday, June 21
Preview Show: 12-2 p.m. (ABC)
Tuesday, June 23
Athletics: 10 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. (ESPN+)
Swimming: 10 a.m. - 4:20 p.m. (ESPN+)
Powerlifting: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (ESPN+)
Wednesday, June 24
Athletics: 9:45 a.m. - 2 p.m. (ESPN+)
Swimming: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Powerlifting: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (ESPN+)
Thursday, June 25
Athletics: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (ESPN+)
Swimming: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (ESPN+)
Powerlifting: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ESPN+) (Break: 1-2 p.m.)
Flag Football - Unified 5v5 Gold Medal Game: 2-3:30 p.m. (NFL Network/ESPN+/Disney+)
Friday, June 26
Athletics: 10 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. (ESPN+)
Swimming: 10:40 a.m. - 1 p.m. (ESPN+)