Seeing Action Through the Lens at USA Games

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, have wrapped up. The Games saw nearly 3,000 athletes from all 52 Programs compete across 16 sports. For many, it was their first time experiencing USA Games. National records were broken, and hearts were touched.

Through sport, Special Olympics showcases the purest form of joy and the authentic purpose of why we do what we do—for the love of the game.

Here are some photos throughout the Games:

Ryan, a Special Olympics Southern California athlete, hangs from the rim after a powerful dunk as spectators watch from the sideline.

Reaching for the Rim with incredible energy, this Special Olympics athlete from Southern California, Ryan Pine, soars with confidence. Moments like these remind us that dreams are always worth chasing.

A Special Olympics Virginia athlete runs on the track during an athletics competition at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis.

With determination in every stride, these Special Olympics athletes gave their all on the track. Their hard work and heart inspired everyone to cheer from the stands.

A Special Olympics athlete from South Carolina lands in the sand pit during the long jump competition at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

A Special Olympics athlete soars through long jump with brave energy and determined spirit. Every jump like this shows confidence, perseverance, and hard work.

A Special Olympics athlete walks confidently on the track between events during athletics competition at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

A Special Olympics athlete walks with pride in athletics, ready for the next challenge. Her strength and spirit make the moment truly special.

A Special Olympics athlete competes in the mini javelin event, releasing the javelin during athletics competition at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

A Special Olympics athlete gives it her all in track and field with focus and heart. Her strong throw in the mini javelin competition shows just how much determination shines in every moment.

Athletes race down the track in a sprint event while spectators fill the stands during athletics competition at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

With every step, this Special Olympics athlete showed determination and heart on the track. Every finish line is a reminder of what hard work can achieve.

A Special Olympics basketball athlete dribbles the ball past defenders during a basketball game at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

Driving to the basket with confidence, this Special Olympics basketball athlete plays with courage and determination. Every play showed heart and a love for the game.

Group of Special Olympics athletes and unified partners cheer enthusiastically during the ESPN Sports Challenge, encouraging teammates on the field at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Joy fills the fields as these Special Olympics athletes celebrated every successful handoff in the ESPN Unified Sports Challenge. Every moment showed the power of teamwork and friendship.

A Special Olympics bocce athlete releases a bocce ball during competition while officials and spectators watch nearby.

Focused, steady, and confident, this Special Olympics bocce athlete gave every throw their best. It’s the little moments of effort that make every competition special.

Two Special Olympics athletes exchange a relay baton during the ESPN Sports Challenge while teammates and spectators cheer from the sidelines inside U.S. Bank Stadium.

Teamwork, encouragement, and smiles make this ESPN Unified Sports Challenge unforgettable. Every cheer pushes these athletes give their very best.