The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games are heading into its last day of competition, and so many memories have been made. It’s hard to believe that the week is almost over and we’re already at the end. Watching athletes represent the 52 Programs here in Minneapolis has been nothing short of amazing.
Over at the pool, Special Olympics Delaware’s Christopher Sapara won the 100m breaststroke. Brenna Vendrick, also with Team Delaware, swam a beautiful race to win the 100yd butterfly. National records were broken at the athletics event. And over at the National Sports Center, Team Massachusetts pulled off a thrilling overtime win over Tennessee to win the gold medal in the 5x5 Unified flag football match. The game was broadcast on NFL Network, an accomplishment that the entire Special Olympics community should be proud of.
It’s that type of coverage and representation that puts eyes on the athletes of these Games, and it only creates more opportunities for exposure.
Throughout the week, professional athletes and Olympians made appearances at various venues across the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center to highlight why inclusion was so important. Athletes and fans felt that energy.
Most sports are now complete, but the final events in athletics, basketball, tennis, bocce, and swimming will take place before the announcement of the USA Games wrap-up during Closing Ceremony at Huntington Bank Stadium at 6:30 p.m. CT.
Special Olympics Minnesota leads the medal count with 112, including 42 golds. Florida is in second with 64 medals and 19 golds, followed by Texas with 64 total medals and 26 golds.
Editor’s note: SONA athlete reporter Michael Kelley contributed to this story. Quotes and interviews were done by Kelley.
