A peaceful campaign to end discrimination of people with intellectual disabilities. The event is expected to draw around 4,000 athletes and tens of thousands of fans,. We look forward to seeing everyone out in the community supporting these athletes as they pursue their goals at the highest levels of competition.. Thousands of athletes, coaches, families, and friends representing all corners of Pennsylvania participated in Special Olympics Pennsylvania's (SOPA) 34th Fall Festival at Villanova University. LA 2028 Summer Olympics - Summer Olympic Games in the USA UnitedHealth Group is the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Special Olympics serves as the world's largest sports organization empowering people with intellectual disabilities, and the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will mark the largest sporting event in the US that year. Hosting the USA Special Olympics Games emphasizes our commitment to creating a state where everyone can participate in athletic competition and pursue their goals at the highest level.". Your donation helps spark the change that transforms lives, See Special Olympics USA Games in the news. Which cities will host in USA, Canada, Mexico? Special Olympics serves as the worlds largest sports organization empowering people with intellectual disabilities, and the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will mark the largest sporting event in the US that year. Gabel said the university is excited to host the events and will be providing housing, dining, medical facilities as well as the venues where athletes compete. 00:53. The athlete-led podcast wants to know: what does inclusion mean to you? Inclusion Revolution Radio episodes drop every other Friday at 10am ET. In many ways, Special Olympics represents all that is great about sports., The longstanding partnership between Special Olympics and ESPN goes beyond just broadcasting, said Mary Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics. Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 (host city TBD), Special Olympics USA Games 2026 (host city TBD), Special Olympics World Games (host city TBD). Two states were finalists in the bid to host the 2026 Special Olympics USA games, said Katie Howlett, a spokeswoman for Special Olympics Minnesota. Reels . Increased Unified Sports athlete and teammate participation by 172% since 2013, to nearly 1,815,000 as of 2019 (Adding nearly 1.15 million participants in 6 years); Increased the number of Special Olympics Unified Sports coaches by 464%, to nearly 119,000 coaches (adding nearly 98,000 in 6 years); Increased overall global sponsorship revenue associated with Special Olympics Unified Sports by 300% in 6 years. Special Olympics USA Minnesota has been named as the host of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. The Special Olympics USA Games have been held every four years since 2006. [5][6] Competition was held at venues throughout Mercer County including The College of New Jersey in the Trenton suburb of Ewing,[7] Rider University, Princeton University and Mercer County Park. The Games' footprint in Paris will be compact and sustainable, with the city utilizing existing or temporary venues in nearly all cases. 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. Orlando, FL, USA June 16-25 2023 Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games concluded after being held June 5-12, in Orlando, Florida.. Click here for a full list of partners. Two Minnesota past participants in Special Olympics programs were introduced as honorary chairs of the games: Jenna Perkins, a senior at Orono High School, and Danny Striggow, a sophomore at the University of Minnesota. Historically, the Games have generated over $70 million dollars of economic impact for their host city. The news, analysis and community conversation found here is funded by donations from individuals. Thousands of athletes, families and fans will attend the games in June 2026 when the Special Olympics USA Games goes to Minnesota. The Twin Cities will host the Special Olympics USA Games in 2026, state officials announced Friday. [22], The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games were held in Orlando, Florida, from June 5-11, 2022. Improving the health and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities. Be a part of history by volunteering at the biggest humanitarian event in the United States. Tim Walz made the announcement Friday at the University of Minnesota's Huntington Bank Stadium, where he was joined by U President Joan Gabel, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and Dave Dorn, president and CEO of Special Olympics Minnesota. Since then, ESPN has added year-round news and feature coverage of Special Olympics, its athletes, community, and culture. During World Games, the entire Special Olympics movement comes together to see our athletes in action and celebrate their victories over huge odds. Unleashing leadership potential in people of all abilities. EIN #41-1228157 Governor Peggy Flannagan, Special Olympics Minnesota Unified Partner Darrel Knauss, Thousands of athletes, families and fans will attend the games in June 2026. Competition schedule and results for world and regional games. Local and international year-round sports training and athletic competitions. [21], The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games were held in Seattle, Washington from July 16, 2018. The announcement was made Friday morning by Gov. Minnesota to Host 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Get inspired with stories of joy, perseverance, and achievement. This is the official Facebook page of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games coming to. With excitement in his voice, Collins Clingman talks about his lifelong passion for the Green Bay Packers and Iowa Hawkeye football. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the GooglePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply. Empowering Youth Leaders, educators, coaches, and families to build inclusive schools and communities for all. Special Olympics Minnesota athletes and coaches hit the runway Saturday morning to make their way to Orlando for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. Make a gift of any amount today to support this resource for everyone. Eight-year Broadcast Agreement and Extension as Global Presenting Sponsor of Special Olympics Unified Sports, Russell Wolff, Executive Vice President and General Manager, ESPN+. ESPNs support of Special Olympics began over 30 years ago, and groundbreaking multimedia coverage of Special Olympics events began in 2015. . ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 27, 2021) Today, the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, presented by Jersey Mike's Subs, announced new highlights for the USA Games, including the announcement of Exploria Stadium as the host for the Opening Ceremony. Special Olympics USA Games | Minneapolis MN - Facebook In June 2026, Minnesota will host the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games which will feature 4,000 athletes competing in 19 sports in venues at the University of Minnesota and other premier locations across the Twin Cities. Learn more about the power Special Olympics has to make real change around the world. Through Special Olympics' athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world. Theres no denying it: Clingman is in his element whenever sports are involved. I have a learning disability, and I was born with a disability called acrodysostosis. 2026specialolympicsusagames.org. 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. World photo/Loren Benoit. The Games will be comprised of 15 Olympic-type team and individual sports, as well as five demonstration sports. Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization that empowers people with intellectual disabilities. Official website. 2026 Special Olympics USA Games' Post - linkedin.com Bill Legalizes Assisted Suicide In Minnesota, Bill Would Bring Ranked-Choice Voting To MN State, Federal Elections, Snow In The Forecast For Twin Cities: MN Weather, T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week, Dad Builds Giant Snow Fort For His Kids In Eagan: Photos, Minnesota Lawmakers Propose Stricter Construction Worker Wage Theft Laws, Driver's Licenses For All, Voting Rights Restoration Bills Clear Final Hurdle; Walz Will Sign, DFL Pushes Legislation To Make Minnesota Criminal Justice System More Rehabilitative, Less Punitive. 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Special Olympics Minnesotaand 2 others 1 6 11 Special Olympics USA GamesRetweeted Special Olympics AR @SOArkansas Sep 29 Learn more about hosing an international Special Olympics event. The most recent Special Olympics USA Games were held in Orlando, FL from June 5-12, 2022. Minnesota won a bid to host the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. See results from the 2022 Berlin National Games. Sargent Shriver International Global Messengers, Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, Laureus Expands Support of Special Olympics Movement, Radicalmedia Partners with Dale Moss & Special Olympics on The Best Of Us: Extraordinary Champions Docuseries Following Athletes Journeys to 2023 Berlin World Games, Audacy Partners with Special Olympics and JRSportBrief Productions For Launch Of Agents Of Inclusion Podcast, Special Olympics Delegates Champion for Inclusion and Need for Critical Funding on Capitol Hill, FanSided and Special Olympics Host First-Ever Unified Reporting Team at Super Bowl Media Row, Find job opportunities with Special Olympics, Special Olympics 50th Anniversary celebration, will host the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, Pittsburgh Steelers Joe Haden Finds Inspiration at World Games, ESPN to be Global Broadcast Partner for Special Olympics World Games, World Winter Games and USA Games through 2027, ESPN continues as Global Presenting Sponsor of Special Olympics Unified Sports; Since collaboration began, participation up 172%, coaches certified up 464%, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World will host 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. 31 July 6 August 2022 in Detroit, MI USA. The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games were held in Orlando, Florida, from June 5-11, 2022. 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. 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. The Games will be comprised of 15 Olympic-type team and individual sports, as well as five demonstration sports. It is part of the global Special Olympics movement. USA Games. Special Olympics Pennsylvania hosts the following state level competitions: Fall Festival - Villanova University, November 3-5, 2023 Winter Games - Seven Springs, PA, February 14-16, 2023 Indoor Winter Games - York, PA, March 4-5, 2023 Summer Games - Penn State University, June 8-10, 2023 Sports Camp - August 13-19, 2023 Playing a variety of positions, the 21-year-old says he enjoys wide receiver the most, but he also shines on the defensive side of the ball. The 2026 games will include 15 Olympic-type team and individual sports and five demonstration sports. 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. He was joined by U-of-M President Joan Gabel (GABE-ul) and other [] 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. 2026 USA Games Logo. Coaches are selected through an application process managed by the USA Management Team. ESPNs coverage of major Special Olympics events will continue to reach fans around the world via ESPN and Disney networks and media platforms in North, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe and the Middle East. Lonnie Snyder - Chief Technology and Information Officer - 2026 Special More than 200 people. Event . 4,484 were here. 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. Join. The most recent Special Olympics USA Games were held June 5-12, 2022 in Orlando, Florida and the next games will be held in Minnesota in 2026.. World Games. The fifth will take place in Orlando next month. The Twin Cities hosted the 1991 International Special Olympics, which drew nearly 130,000 fans over seven days of competition in 16 sports. 2022 USA Games - Special Olympics Illinois 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) . The games have, historically, generated more than $70 million of economic impact for the host city. Sovereign is a former Special Olympics Minnesota board member and an active volunteer for the organization. Athletes . Special Olympics USA Games kicks off with opening ceremony in Orlando 38 coaches. The World Games are offered every two years on an alternating World Winter Games and World Summer Games basis. Sargent Shriver International Global Messengers, Find job opportunities with Special Olympics, For Christopher Dyke and His Unified Flag Football Team, the USA Games Were an Experience of a Lifetime, Longtime Special Olympics Competitor Collins Clingman Ready for His USA Games Moment, Minnesota Wins Bid to Host the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, Special Olympics Colorado Athlete Tania Wright Selected for USA Games in First Year Competing, Special Olympics Alaska Athlete Uses Platform to Promote Healthy Lifestyle, 2022 Special Olympics USA Games Wins the Amazon Web Services Grant, Forbes Features Special Olympics Athlete and Marketing Development Coordinator, Novie Craven, Michael Detouche Gains Confidence Fishing and Makes Valuable Impact Within Special Olympics. Minnesota to host the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games - KARE 2022 USA Games - Special Olympics CO Much like other large-scale sporting events, a competitive bid process was conducted to select a host site that has the infrastructure, resources and active community support needed to operate a successful Games. 31 July 6 August 2022 in Detroit, MI USA. ESPN and Special Olympics Expand Relationship 1d ago. Founded in 1968, and celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, the Special Olympics movement has grown to more than 6 million athletes and Unified Sports partners in over 190 countries. Special Olympics Iowa is pleased to announce the team that will be representing Iowa at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games next year in Orlando! WHAT WE DO We offer training & competition in 16 state-level sports. 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 USA Games, which is hosted every four years, will mark the largest multi-sport sporting event in Florida history. Allen Sanderson, an economics professor at the University of Chicago, said his general rule is "to take whatever figure the sponsoring organization will give you and move the decimal point one place to the left." Eric Granstrom, from the NCW Life Channel, for the 14th year running, emceed the event, announcing each team as they . UnitedHealth Group will play a key role in making the Games a success and by leaving a lasting impact on inclusive health in Minnesota. Get in touch with us to volunteer, become an athlete, join a Unified Sports team, work as a coach and learn about upcoming events. 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. "Our university shares the same goals of the Games in transforming lives through inclusion and celebrating each persons greatest ability.". Walz signs bill restoring voting rights for 55K felons, Convicted Salvation Army arsonist charged with trashing Caribou in Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis student pointed gun at another student, dean stepped between them: Charges, Man indicted in 2021 murder of St. More than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean are taking part in the largest USA games event ever . Minnesota beat out three other states in its bid for the games. For more information go to www.espn.com/citizenship. Cloud woman is acquitted, Blaine apartment explosion injures 2 people: Police, Woman killed, child ejected from vehicle in crash near Prior Lake, Stolen Kia high-speed chase ends with crash off bridge in Minneapolis, Man charged in St. Paul double fatal funeral shooting that killed chef, Competitive dance studio in North Minneapolis needs help to get to nationals, Minnesota lawmakers push for new board dedicated to household pets, Hyundai, Kia thefts: Twin Cities mayors, AG call for safety recall, Alex Murdaugh family home 'Moselle' recently for sale, now under contract, during murder trial, Unlicensed Woodbury beauty spa owner charged with unlawful medical practice, Too High: Family lost son to suicide, cannabis, Walleye fishing on Mille Lacs Lake open all summer. Games Timeline Through 2028 - Team USA Special Olympics USA Games (@2026USAGames) / Twitter Meet the Team Representing Iowa at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. Minnesota will host the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, the governor announced on Friday. Our university shares the same goals of the Games in transforming lives through inclusion and celebrating each persons greatest ability., The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will mark the largest sporting event in the U.S. that year. July 4 Is Monday: Which Fireworks Are Legal In Minnesota. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Exploria Stadium to Host 2022 Special Olympics USA Games Opening #2026USAGames. Get inspired with stories of joy, perseverance, and achievement. In recent years, Disney and ESPN have continued to deepen their relationship through donation, program sponsorship, programming and volunteerism, including: Walt Disney World Resort will host the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, offering its 220-acre ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex as the premier venue for the USA Games. The 2026 Special Olympics will feature 15 Olympic-style team and individual sports, as well as five demonstration sports. [23], The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will be held in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area. 200+ athletes competing in Medina Special Olympics Invite - WEWS No other event in the world has the social and emotional impact of the Special Olympics World Games. [3] The city of Ames and Iowa State University hosted over 3,000 athletes from all 50 states in 13 sports, including aquatics, basketball, bocce, bowling, golf, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. 1963 days. On behalf of the more than 340,000 employees from UnitedHealth Group, we are thrilled to be the presenting sponsor of the 2026 USA Games right here in our hometown, Thompson said. LA 2028 | Olympic Games. UnitedHealth Group will play a key role in making the Games a success and by leaving a lasting impact on inclusive health in Minnesota. That figure is derived from "historical data from all the other USA Special Olympic games held in the past," said Howlett. Special Olympics USA Games - Special Olympics Kentucky Learn more about hosing an international Special Olympics event. Team Special Olympics North Carolina consisted of 75 North Carolina athletes and Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities who train and compete alongside . The Special Olympics exists in every corner of the globe and has supported over five million athletes. Competitions will be hosted at University of Minnesota facilities and additional world-class venues throughout the Twin Cities, officials said. ESPN's Coverage of Special Olympics USA Games Orlando Begins June 5 "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," U of M President Joan Gabel, honorary co-chair for the 2026 USA Games, said in a release. ESPN and Special Olympics have extended and expanded their game-changing relationship, with an eight-year extension of global programming and ESPNs Global Presenting Sponsorship of Special Olympics Unified Sports. Through its storytelling, media platforms and grant-making, ESPN is building positive attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities and showing the world that the revolution is inclusion.. About 6,000 athletes from around the world participated. Gov. Snyder has a 27 year . On average, it cost Special Olympics Ohio $1,500 per delegate to participate in . For World Games, Minnesota is part of the larger USA delegation and only selects athletes to represent the state. Olympics Minnesota to host the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Gov. So I might start where I hit off the first tee, and then Darrel takes a second hit, we keep going, we alternate shots. The Special Olympics USA Games unite athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean for a multi-day Olympic style event featuring a variety of sports. SCHEDULE: 2022 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES ORLANDO ESPN3: Live streaming competition coverage Contacts: ESPN Paul Melvin: paul.melvin@disney.com John Manzo: John.Manzo@espn.com ESPN AND SPECIAL OLYMPICS ESPN's relationship with Special Olympics spans nearly 40 years.