Click here for a full list of partners. 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.. For Special Olympics athletes, one of those reasons is the love of sport. The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will bring together 4,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and 75,000 fans from all 50 states. No other event in the world has the social and emotional impact of the Special Olympics World Games. May 6, 2022. 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. See results from the 2022 Berlin National Games. The Minnesota event will be the sixth Special Olympics USA games. Associated Press. The announcement was made Friday morning by Gov. The event is expected to draw 4,000 athletes, 10,000 volunteers, 1,500 coaches and 75,000 fans from across the country, parts of Canada and the Caribbean. The budget for the event exceeded $15M. 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. More than 14,000 people in Minnesota have participated in Polar Plunges since October, raising $4.24 million to help send Minnesota athletes to the Games in Orlando. More than 200 people. The most recent Special Olympics USA Games were held in Orlando, FL from June 5-12, 2022. Innocence Project seeks to exonerate Marvin Haynes of 2004 north Minneapolis flower shop killing, Lois Glewwe was keeper of South St. Paul's history. . Improving the health and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities. 31 July 6 August 2022 in Detroit, MI USA. Eight-year Broadcast Agreement and Extension as Global Presenting Sponsor of Special Olympics Unified Sports, Russell Wolff, Executive Vice President and General Manager, ESPN+. The Business Journals Select a City Its somebody there to support you.. Which cities will host in USA, Canada, Mexico? The event will see around 4,000 athletes from all 50 states, Canada and the Caribbean compete in over 20 sports. UnitedHealth Group will play a key role in making the Games a success and by leaving a lasting impact on inclusive health in Minnesota. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the GooglePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply. Minnesota to host Special Olympics USA Games in 2026 Roughly 115,000 people are expected to travel to the state for the event, which is projected to bring in $70 million in economic impact. 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., The Games will be comprised of 15 Olympic-type team and individual sports, as well as five demonstration sports. She said the state organization was not disclosing the other finalist because "it is less like a traditional Olympics bid" and "we are working toward the same mission of inclusion.". Kazan, Russia, which has hosted a World Cup and World Swimming Championship in the past, will host the Special Olympics World Winter Games in 2022. Sign up to receive the latest news leading up to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. This relationship is a catalyst for inclusion. Its a shortness of limbs, Anderson said. 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. Regardless of the level of competition, the timelines and selection process is fairly standard. We look forward to seeing everyone out in the community supporting these athletes as they pursue their goals at the highest levels of competition.. 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. Thousands of athletes and fans will gather in the Twin Cities in June 2026 for the Special Olympics USA games, held every four years in the United States for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Yahoo Sports Canada. The Special Olympics exists in every corner of the globe and has supported over five million athletes. For World Games, Minnesota is part of the larger USA delegation and only selects athletes to represent the state. It is part of the global Special Olympics movement. What an instant classic. [3] Over 8,000 volunteers were needed to make this event run smoothly. Meet the Team Representing Iowa at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. Learn more about hosing an international Special Olympics event. The first, quadrennial, USA National Games were held July 18, 2006, in Ames, Iowa. Local and international year-round sports training and athletic competitions. Special Olympics was founded in 1968 with the main goal of accepting and welcoming individuals as they are. 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. The Games will be comprised of 15 Olympic-type team and individual sports, as well as five demonstration sports. Donate Now Call Us: 502-695-8222 E-Mail: soky@soky.org About General Information Mission Staff/Contact SOKY SOKY Calendar Work at SOKY Current Job Postings SOKY Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy Special Olympics supports over 4 million athletes, coaches, and volunteers with 32 Olympic-type sports. 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. Special Olympics would like to congratulate this year's ESPN Top 5 Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools for their dedication to inclusion. South St. Paul author, storyteller and archivist, died Feb. 16 after an accident at home. Her friend and fellow Orono High School student athlete Jenna Perkins is honorary chair of the Twin Cities event. MINNEAPOLISThousands of athletes and fans will gather in the Twin Cities in June 2026 for the Special Olympics USA games, held every four years in the United . The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando will unite more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean during one of the country's most cherished sporting events. June 5-12, 2022, the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games will unite more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean and 125,000 spectators during one of the country's most cherished sporting events. Athletes Beth Meyer Finds Joy in Achieving Long-Time Dream of Competing at USA Games It was a full-circle moment for Beth Meyer. [10] Competitions were held in 24 sports. 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. 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico have been selected to host the 2026 World Cup. 14 July - 30 July. 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.". 2023 FOX Television Stations, from SUN 9:00 AM CST until MON 12:00 PM CST, Traverse County, from SUN 6:00 PM CST until MON 3:00 PM CST, Crow Wing County, Douglas County, East Becker County, East Otter Tail County, Grant County, Hubbard County, Kanabec County, Mahnomen County, Mille Lacs County, Morrison County, North Cass County, Northern Aitkin County, South Aitkin County, South Cass County, South Clearwater County, Todd County, Wadena County, West Becker County, West Otter Tail County, from SUN 12:00 PM CST until MON 12:00 PM CST, Clay County, Norman County, Wilkin County, from SUN 6:00 PM CST until MON 6:00 PM CST, Carlton/South St. Louis Counties, Pine County, Southern Lake/North Shore, Burnett County, Douglas County, Washburn County. . Its a very fun opportunity [to continue the] inclusion revolution,Perkins said. 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,. The relationship between ESPN and Special Olympics spans nearly three and a half decades and has been built on a bedrock of shared belief in the power of sports to positively impact lives and make lasting change in the world said Jimmy Pitaro, President of ESPN and co-Chair, Disney Media Networks. When its held in Minnesota, well be able to have a lot more people participate.. 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. "Minnesota has always been an epicenter for health and wellness, and that includes inclusive health for all Minnesotans. Improving the health and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities. 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. Located within the boundaries of Wasatch Mountain, The Huntsman Center at the University of Utah camp, More than 40,000 people attended the Colorado high, The @usafencing Junior Olympics are being staged a, @usaartisticswimming @usawrestling @chsaa #wrestli, Former NFL All-Pro Jared Allen just missed out on. 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. Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization that empowers people with intellectual disabilities. That figure is derived from "historical data from all the other USA Special Olympic games held in the past," said Howlett. 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Boydton, VA Expand search. There will be some benefit to hotel and restaurant workers, he said. Gov. And the 2026 games will mark the largest sporting event in the United States that year, the release says. Minnesota will host the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, the governor announced on Friday. Thompson of UnitedHealth said his company has had a long history of supporting Special Olympics programs. [4] The Opening Ceremony was held at Prudential Center in Newark. Get inspired with stories of joy, perseverance, and achievement. We all have reasons to shine. [2], The 2014 Special Olympics USA Games were held from June 1421 in New Jersey. 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. The USA Games, which is hosted every four years, will mark the largest multi-sport sporting event in Florida history. Published: May 6, 2022 - 8:45 AM. MPR News - Twin Cities wins 2026 Special Olympics USA games, Gobert leads Timberwolves past Lakers despite Davis' 38, Walleye fishing on Mille Lacs to stay open all summer, Minnesota's Whalen resigns after 3rd straight losing season. The USA Games featured more than 4,000 athletes competing in 14 different sports. Empowering Youth Leaders, educators, coaches, and families to build inclusive schools and communities for all. Randy Furst is a Star Tribune general assignment reporter covering a range of issues, including tenants rights, minority rights, American Indian rights and police accountability. 2022 USA Games Athletes Ke'Shaun Tillman Finds his Place in Sports Photography with Help from Mentor On the campus of North Carolina State University, Erin Johnston and Ke'Shaun Tillman formed an unlikely friendship. Learn more at www.SpecialOlympics.org. 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. Get inspired with stories of joy, perseverance, and achievement. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Local and international year-round sports training and athletic competitions. On average, it cost Special Olympics Ohio $1,500 per delegate to participate in . The healthcare company, which includes UnitedHealthcare and Optum, has been a long-time supporter of Special Olympics Minnesota and is committed to helping people live healthier lives, increasing access to care and eradicating health disparities for all. Since 1997, SportsTravel magazine has served the sportsrelated travel and event industry. Walz announces Minnesota will host 2026 Special Olympics USA Games - YouTube During a press conference on Friday, Gov. 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The 35-year-old Haynes was sentenced to life in prison as a teenager for the murder of Randy Sherer. The event will have the Italian cities of Milan . As we move forward, we need to know youre with us. * Special Olympics markets supported by ESPN grants since 2013: US = CT, NC, WA, So Cal, FL, No Cal, NY, Louisiana, Ohio, Illinois, TX, AZ (12); International Countries = China, India, Philippines, Indonesia, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia, Uganda, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Australia, Canada, Tanzania, Swaziland, Great Britain, Belgium (19). Jersey Mike's donated 100 percent of its sales that day to support the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. We have a long history with Special Olympics and support the Games vision of inclusion. The USA Games featured 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and The Caribbean. Sport competition will be hosted at the University of Minnesota and additional world-class venues throughout the Twin Cities. 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. Brian Thompson, UnitedHealthcares CEO, will serve alongside Joan Gabel as Honorary Co-Chair for the Games. Erik Anderson, left, chats with Darrel Knauss at Huntington Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota following a news conference to announce that the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will take place in the Twin Cities. A peaceful campaign to end discrimination of people with intellectual disabilities. And the 2026 games will mark the largest sporting event in the United States. Special Olympics Minnesota is a tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. With the help of other organizations, institutions and sponsors, ESPNs involvement has contributed to the following: In addition, since 2013, ESPN has provided more than $7 million in grants to support Unified Sports programs in 12 U.S. markets and 18 international countries.*. The TCU faithful have had a lot to cheer about in, The College Football Playoff kicks off with the fi, Some sights and sounds from the Rivalry Series gam, Hilary Knight tied the game for Team USA in the th, Michelle Lupo, the business development manager fo, Perfect Game 2023 All-American Classic Heads Back to Phoenix, 2023 Veteran Fencing World Championships Headed to Daytona Beach, Tulsa to Host the 2024 Bassmaster Classic, Butler University to Host NACE Starleague Grand Finals, San Antonio to Host Inaugural XFL Championship Game, More Than 800 Attend Sports ETA Symposium, MLB Returns to London in 2023, 2024 and 2026, Brent Nowicki: The World Aquatics Rebrand and World Championships Pivot, Gary Hernbroth: Sports as Group Travel and How to Motivate Sales Professionals, Bob Dunlop: Two Decades of Organizing Events for U.S. FanSided Takes an in Depth Look at Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Programs, Timothy Shriver and Edwin Moses Discuss the History between Special Olympics and Laureus Sport for Good, Find job opportunities with Special Olympics. Learn more about hosing an international Special Olympics event. In 2013, Special Olympics and ESPN began collaborating to expand Unified Sports, driving growth in participation of athletes, teammates, coaches, Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools programming, and sponsorship support. Eric Granstrom, from the NCW Life Channel, for the 14th year running, emceed the event, announcing each team as they . These were the first Special Olympics World Games to be held in the Middle East / North Africa region. [18] The gold and bronzemedal games were played in Arm & Hammer Park in Trenton. The World Games are offered every two years on an alternating World Winter Games and World Summer Games basis. 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. Send this article to anyone, no subscription is necessary to view it. 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. I think Ill be so happy to watch them and support them, Libby said. Before you get to know Michael Detouche, a Special Olympics Dominica athlete from the Caribbean, you should know a few things. United States of America. Sport competition will be hosted at the University of Minnesota and additional world-class venues throughout the Twin Cities. Disney and ESPNs Presenting Sponsorship of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games and the Games Volunteer Program; Disney VoluntEARS engagement at Special Olympics events; ESPNs Global Presenting Sponsorship of Special Olympics Unified Sports; ESPNs role as Global Broadcast Partner of signature Special Olympics events. 23 support staff. Coaches are selected through an application process managed by the USA Management Team. We look forward to seeing everyone out in the community supporting these athletes as they pursue their goals at the highest levels of competition.. UnitedHealth Group is the "presenting sponsor" of the 2026 games. 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. I always felt most comfortable in sports competition, it was my escape, my first love and a way to prove myself. [22], The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games were held in Orlando, Florida, from June 5-11, 2022. Minnesota beat out three other states in its bid for the games. Through Special Olympics' athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world. Get in touch with us to volunteer, become an athlete, join a Unified Sports team, work as a coach and learn about upcoming events. 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. 2026specialolympicsusagames.org. 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. The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will take place in Minnesota with 4,000 athletes, 10,000 volunteers, 1,500 coaches and 75,000 fans from all 50 states, parts of Canada and the Caribbean. About 6,000 athletes from around the world participated. Thousands of athletes, families and fans will attend the games in June 2026. Thousands of athletes, families and fans will attend the games in June 2026. 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. 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) . Olympics Minnesota to host the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Gov. Be a part of history by volunteering at the biggest humanitarian event in the United States. MEDINA, Ohio Athletes from several Northeast Ohio counties laced up and got back in the game this weekend at the 38th annual Special Olympics Ohio Medina Invitational. See results from the 2022 Berlin National Games. Competition is offered in 21 Olympic-type sports and three emerging sports for athletes eight years or older. The Ottumwa, Iowa, native also says hes a season ticket holder for the local community colleges basketball team. 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. The event was hosted and organized by Villanova University students and is the largest annual student-run Special Olympics event in the world. The 2026 Special Olympics will feature 15 Olympic-style team and individual sports, as well as five demonstration sports. Team Special Olympics North Carolina consisted of 75 North Carolina athletes and Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities who train and compete alongside . "I'm incredibly proud to host this event in Minnesota," Walz said. 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. 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. University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel, who is an honorary co-chair for the Games, said the school is thrilled to welcome athletes and families to the Twin Cities and its campus. Continue to build Unified Sports capacity through grants in the U.S. and multiple countries around the world, as well as support for conducting inclusive Unified Sports within refugee camps; Focus on improving the quality and raising awareness of Unified Sports initiatives; Recruit and train Unified Sports leaders at all levels of the movement, providing them with tools and training to develop and sustain Unified Sports in their communities; Work together to engage sports leagues and organizations to support the expansion of Unified Sports; Support global marketing campaign plans and activations; Increase Disney & ESPN employee engagement with local Special Olympics programs in key markets. Minnesota has won a bid to host the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Walz said it will be the single largest sporting event to take place in the United States in 2026 and will showcase the state's commitment to inclusion and show "that every single person can thrive.". Inclusion Revolution Radio episodes drop every other Friday at 10am ET. Get in touch with us to volunteer, become an athlete, join a Unified Sports team, work as a coach and learn about upcoming events. Sports bring people together. Hear about Special Olympics impact from around the world. Breaking News, Podcasts and Analysis Serving People who Organize, Manage and Host Sports Events. WHAT WE DO We offer training & competition in 16 state-level sports. 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. The Special Olympics USA Games is a premier, national sports competition that showcases the power and joy of sports at the highest levels. "We're so proud Minnesota is part of the inclusion revolution," said Perkins. 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. You could hear the cheers from every corner of Whitefish Mountain Resort on Wednesday as the Special Olympics Glacier Area Winter Games got underway. Empowering Youth Leaders, educators, coaches, and families to build inclusive schools and communities for all. UnitedHealth Group is the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Competition schedule and results for world and regional games. 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. June 2026! The Special Olympics began in 1968 to give people with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to develop athletic skills. This agreement includes global coverage and distribution of: Following ESPNs unprecedented coverage of Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015, ESPN signed on as the movements Global Broadcast Partner. Theres no denying it: Clingman is in his element whenever sports are involved. Historically, the Games have generated over $70 million dollars of economic impact for their host city. The Twin Cities hosted the 1991 International Special Olympics, which drew nearly 130,000 fans over seven days of competition in 16 sports. Forty Minnesota-based Jersey Mike's shops raised just over $450,000 on March 30 for the chain's Day of Giving, according to the company. Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Every four years, Special Olympics holds a national competition for Special Olympics athletes across the United States. Our university shares the same goals of the Games in transforming lives through inclusion and celebrating each persons greatest ability.. 4,484 were here. USA & World Games. The Twin Cities will host the Special Olympics USA Games in 2026, state officials announced Friday. The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games were held in Orlando, Florida, from June 5-11, 2022.