2026 Special Olympics USA Games

Thank you to all the talented Special Olympics Minnesota athletes who lent their voices to explain the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games logo, its ten individual icons, and what they represent. Every aspect of the Circle of Inclusion is intentional with unique characteristics that work in harmony, symbolizing the unity of the athletes, organization, and host state of Minnesota. Watch to learn more as the athletes explain the meaning behind each one and let us know what you think! #2026USAGames #InclusionRevolution #CallingAllChampions

Check out a day in the life of Special Olympics Minnesota athlete and 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Athlete Advisory Council member Tyler Sarff. Learn about the energy, excitement and impact of a Special Olympics event. #CallingAllChampions #2026USAGames https://lnkd.in/grmgJy8X

Please join us in welcoming Patrick Timmer, Operations Manager of Sports, for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games! Patrick will oversee sports operations at the National Sports Center and Blaine venues. His duties include ensuring the smooth execution of bowling, softball, golf, flag football, soccer, and pickleball, coordinating logistics with staff and volunteers, and creating a positive, competitive environment for athletes. Patrick's role is vital to providing participants with a seamless and memorable experience at the Games. Patrick comes to the 2026 USA Games with a unique blend of experience in sports operations and a personal connection to the Special Olympics mission, as his aunt is a long-time Special Olympics Minnesota athlete. His background includes work with Thomson Reuters, in addition to sports operations, coaching, and management roles with local baseball clinics and the Minnesota Twins Youth Camps. Patrick's dedication to athlete development and leadership in sports operations make him a key asset to the Games. "Patrick's passion for sports and his strong connection to Special Olympics, through both his personal experience and volunteer work, make him a valuable addition to the Sports team," said Seann DeMaris, CSEE, SVP of Sports for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. "His innovative approach and dedication to delivering an exceptional event experience will help create a lasting legacy for the 2026 Games." We look forward to working with Patrick and are grateful for his commitment to the #2026USAGames! #CallingAllChampions

Thank you to our wonderful partner, Schwan's Company and Red Baron Pizza, who helped bring attention to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games by highlighting some incredible Special Olympics soccer families making a difference in their communities at Minnesota United FC games this season. We are so proud to have Red Baron as a great partner for the Games in Minnesota! #2026USAGames #CallingAllChampions #ShareSomethingAwesome

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will showcase the incredible abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities, including many individuals with Down syndrome. Let's support these athletes and spread awareness about the power of inclusion! #2026USAGames #CallingAllChampions #InclusionRevolution

Flex Your Support Muscles, Minnesota! The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games are coming to Minneapolis – together, we can lift up these all of the athletes as they go for the gold! As a long-time Special Olympics supporter, and Proud Sponsor of Gopher Athletics, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union stepped up as the official sponsor of Powerlifting ???♂? at the #2026USAGames. University of Minnesota women's basketball star Mara Braun shows her support of all the athletes by spotting Special Olympics Minnesota athlete Austin Ewing, 2022 USA Games powerlifting gold medalist from Minnesota. More than 100,000 athletes, volunteers and spectators are expected in Minneapolis in 2026 and we couldn’t be more excited for this world-class event to come to our home state! Join us in making the 2026 USA Games the best experience possible for these athletes, in and out of the weight room! ? Learn more at ?? https://bit.ly/3YFVwmK #CallingAllChampions #UnleashYourStrength

It's time to unleash the power within! ???♂? We're thrilled to announce powerlifting as one of the sports at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. Get ready to witness incredible displays of strength, dedication, and perseverance! Share this post and help us spread the word. A big thank you to Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union for supporting these Games and the amazing athletes! Read the release here ?? https://bit.ly/4hpeRzP #2026USAGames #CallingAllChampions #UnleashYourStrength

Joining Club26 is a way to contribute to the success of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota and make a lasting impact! Tailor your experience at the Games and select the donation amount based on your commitment level here ?? https://bit.ly/47hjUhi For those seeking an extraordinary opportunity to champion inclusion, the Founder level of Club26 is your ticket. Here is what you would receive: ? $1,000 Club26 merchandise credit ? 40 Opening & Closing Ceremony tickets ? 40 ESPN Unified Event tickets + Volunteer opportunities ? Access to VIP lounges, parking, and shuttles ? Special Olympics Athlete Ambassador speaking event ? 10 Founders Gala tickets Your generosity will help us create a transformative event that celebrates ability, fosters unity, and inspires the world! #2026USAGames #CallingAllChampions #Club26

Donaldson, a leading worldwide provider of innovative filtration products and solutions, is joining the growing list of partners committed to making the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games a huge success! “Donaldson’s partnership with the USA Games is a testament to their commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable world,” said Christine (Christy) Sovereign, CEO, 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. “We are honored to have them join us on this journey to celebrate the power of human potential and inspire a nation." The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games—scheduled for June 20-26, 2026, across Minnesota’s Twin Cities with sports competitions at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine—is a national celebration of inclusivity, changing perceptions and the ability of the human spirit rising above limitations.?#CallingAllChampion #2026USAGames Read the press release here ?? https://bit.ly/40p6wGe

Thank you to all our partners and prospective partners who joined us at our fall Partner Forum at the University of Minnesota. Without them the the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota would not be possible! ?? There's plenty of excitement on the horizon. We hope you'll consider joining the list of growing Champions of the USA Games ?? https://bit.ly/3NMH1Xv #2026USAGames #CallingAllChampions