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.
Special Olympics Utah athlete Gage Winn is here with his flag football team and says, “Having a great time and spending time with my teammates is unifying this experience for all of us,” is what it’s all about, being in Minneapolis.
He says, “To be able to represent Utah is a great experience.”
Cheerleading fans cheered along to numerous routines. Athletes would yell something out, and the crowd would return the yell. With such a variety of skills, it was a great display of the levels this sport offers at the Special Olympics level. Just across the street, the gymnastics competition was fierce. Athletes were pulling off flips, somersaults, and doing well on the uneven bars and balance beam.
Over at the basketball venue, the games were fast and aggressive. Something that echoes the gravity of the moment. It’s the largest event that only happens once every four years.
Whether you were at a venue or walking around campus, the energy was felt, and people showed sportsmanship. Probably the most popular tradition at USA Games is the exchanging of pins. Athletes from different states will share pins, and by the end of the week, so many lanyards will be full. Over at the Thrivent Fan Fest, athletes were connecting with one another, listening to music, and taking part in many opportunities to add to the importance of the event.
While the USA Games are here to highlight the skills of the athletes, it’s also here to have fun, gain new friends, and take part in leadership opportunities.
