More than 3,000 athletes, 75,000 fans and 10,000 volunteers. One shared belief: sport can open doors, build confidence, and bring people together. At the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota, that belief came to life—uniting athletes, coaches, volunteers, and fans in a powerful celebration of inclusion and community.
As the Founding Partner of Special Olympics International and a Platinum Partner of the USA Games, the Coca‑Cola system supported the experience at every level—helping create moments that extended beyond the field of play.
- 3,000+ athletes from all 50 states competed on a national stage
- 75,000 fans and 10,000 volunteers came together to celebrate every journey
- Coca‑Cola activated across Fan Fest and athlete experiences, providing refreshments and recovery along with facilitated volunteer engagement
A Shared Commitment to Inclusion
For more than five decades, Coca‑Cola and Special Olympics have collaborated to advance inclusion through sport, creating opportunities for athletes to be seen, supported, and celebrated.
“The USA Games are an opportunity to bring that purpose to life through our people, our platforms, and the experiences we create,” said Alba Baylin, Vice President, Community & Social Impact, Coca‑Cola North America. “The Games bring that mission into focus: highlighting not just competition, but the determination, pride, and community behind every athlete’s journey.”
“Partners like Coca‑Cola play a vital role in helping us create inclusive experiences that empower athletes and bring communities together. Their long-standing support helps ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are seen, celebrated and given the opportunity to shine on and off the field.”
Memorable Moments from the Games
From Opening Ceremonies to Fan Fest, the Games were filled with events that captured the spirit of connection.
Coca‑Cola representatives joined the Parade of Athletes alongside Team Georgia—standing shoulder to shoulder with competitors from across the country in a powerful symbol of unity and support.
At Fan Fest, interactive experiences brought athletes, families, and fans together. A personalized ‘names-on-cans' activation sparked excitement throughout the week, turning an iconic design into a personalized keepsake for fans.
The event also marked the first in-market appearance of the new Coca‑Cola x Special Olympics partnership visual identity, bringing fresh energy to one of the company’s longest-standing collaborations.
Supporting the Athlete Experience
As the official pickleball sponsor, The Coca‑Cola Company and Reyes Coca‑Cola Bottling supported competition through on-site activations and volunteer engagement, alongside a full-scale beverage program throughout the Games.
Across the week, system associates from Coca‑Cola and Reyes Coca‑Cola Bottling contributed on the ground, supporting operations and helping deliver a seamless experience for athletes and fans alike.
The Power of Showing Up
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games were a reminder that inclusion is built through action; through the moments, experiences, and people who make every athlete feel that they belong.
Together with Special Olympics, Coca‑Cola continues to help create spaces where athletes can compete, connect, and shine. To learn more about Coca‑Cola's commitment to inclusion and community, please visit Coca‑Cola.com to explore how these partnerships are making a lasting difference.
