It’s official—we’re less than six months out from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, the most inclusive sporting event of the year. In June, over 3,000 athletes from every state will test their mettle in a range of high-intensity, high-reward sports. It’s a celebration of skill, athleticism, and most importantly, inclusion—a reminder that the best things happen when everyone can be their most authentic selves.
You’re probably already familiar with Special Olympics, a national brand known for hosting athletic clinics, leagues, and competitions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It’s long been a champion of physical activity, regular health screenings, and joyful recreation. As lovers of joyful recreation ourselves, we are of course big fans.
Their impact is widespread, too—Special Olympics Florida alone serves over 76,000 athletes in 19 sports, with everything from basketball to horseback riding. But the national organization has humble origins. Before it was Special Olympics, it was Camp Shriver, a backyard get-together for kids with disabilities. From there, it developed into a movement, expanding into different athletic programs and spreading worldwide. Like the original Camp Shriver, Special Olympics fills the need for fun, active programs that include everybody.
The USA Games turn up the intensity by a hundred. This year, the competition will take over the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota, pulling in athletes, coaches, and fans from across the country.
How It Works
Each state has its own chapter of the Special Olympics, which hosts local programs for athletes ages 8 and up. Dedicated athletes can put themselves to the test at statewide events. If they place, they’re eligible for the USA Games.
Many athletes have been training for years to earn their spot at the 2026 games, whether individually in sports like swimming or athletics—Special Olympics’ term for track and field events—or on teams in soccer, basketball, and even cornhole. Like the international Olympic Games, it’s this hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship that makes each athlete remarkable.
Team events can be traditional, meaning that all members of the team have intellectual disabilities, or Unified. Unified teams feature athletes with and without disabilities as part of Special Olympics’ mission to broaden the meaning of true inclusion. Rather than just creating separate programs for people with disabilities, the organization seeks to build spaces where those with and without disabilities can connect.
The festivities kick off on June 20th, when Special Olympics athletes and teams will come together for the USA Games Opening Ceremony. But the competition doesn’t take long to heat up—after one day of practice and prep, athletes will be leaving it all out on the field for five days. From June 20th to 26th, the Twin Cities are the place to be if you want the heart-racing, stomach dropping excitement of watching fierce athletic competitions unfold.
Where to Watch
ESPN has been Official Broadcaster of the USA Games since 2013. While the official broadcast schedule has not been announced yet, we can expect nightly recaps on competition days and livestreams of tennis, athletics, and powerlifting competitions.
Looking for even more action? Check out the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Youtube channel, where you can hear directly from athletes, ambassadors, and organizers as the countdown to the Opening Ceremony begins.
How to Get Involved
Ready to start your journey USA Games? Join your local Special Olympics as an athlete or volunteer today! To find a program near you, check out this interactive state map.
See you in June!
