Minnesota is set to shine this summer as the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games bring together an extraordinary community of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and fans for a week of competition, camaraderie, and celebration. From June 20–26, more than 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, and 10,000 volunteers will unite at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine, with an anticipated 75,000 fans cheering them on from all corners of the nation.
This monumental event will showcase the power of inclusion and the spirit of sportsmanship, as athletes from all 50 states compete in a variety of sports. For Team Southern California (SOSC), the honor of representing their state on this national stage is nothing short of exhilarating.
Team Southern California: A Force of Unity and Talent
Team SOSC will feature 80 delegation members, including athletes and Unified Partners, competing in seven sports:
- Athletics & Unified Athletics
- Basketball
- Unified Bocce
- Unified Bowling
- Golf
- Softball
- Swimming
Each sport will highlight the dedication and skill of athletes who have trained tirelessly for this moment. The Games are more than competition – they are a celebration of ability, determination, and the friendships forged through sport.
Team SOSC’s journey has been steadily building through key preparation events, including summer’s MedFest health screenings that ensured athletes were competition-ready and the December Training Camp, where athletes and coaches strengthened skills, teamwork, and confidence. Their momentum continues with another Training Camp at the end of March, an important step as the athletes and coaches move closer to taking the national stage in Minnesota.
Unified Sports: Breaking Barriers, Building Friendships
One of the most inspiring aspects of the USA Games is Unified Sports, where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities compete together on the same team. This innovative approach fosters inclusion, teamwork, and mutual respect, proving that when we play together, we win together.
Team SOSC will proudly showcase Unified partnerships in Athletics, Bocce, Bowling and Golf, demonstrating how sports can unite communities and create lifelong bonds. Unified Sports isn’t just about competition; it’s about changing perceptions and celebrating what we can achieve when everyone is included.
Unified Champion Schools & Youth Leadership
The USA Games will also spotlight the incredible impact of Unified Champion Schools (UCS) – programs that promote social inclusion through sports and leadership in schools across the country. UCS students and Youth Leaders will attend the Games to participate in leadership summits, volunteer roles, and advocacy initiatives that amplify the message of inclusion.
Southern California’s Youth Leadership attendees will represent the next generation of changemakers, sharing ideas and inspiring others to create inclusive communities. Their presence at the Games reinforces the belief that inclusion starts with education and grows through leadership.
Voices of Inspiration
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games are such an incredible moment for all of us. It’s not just about medals or scores, it’s about celebrating what makes the athletes amazing and showing the world the true meaning of inclusion. For Team SOSC, this is a chance to come together, compete at the highest level, and share the joy and pride that sports bring. These Games remind us that when we break down barriers and give everyone a chance to shine, we create something truly special. I couldn’t be more excited to see the friendships, and the amazing memories that will come out of this experience.
– Brian Richter, SOSC Head of Delegation
Representing Team SOSC at the USA Games is an incredible honor for our Crushers – being the first Ventura County team ever selected makes this experience truly once-in-a-lifetime. Watching our athletes grow in confidence, teamwork, and pride as we prepare together has been the most rewarding part, and I know this opportunity will impact them both on and off the field as they step onto a national stage and shine as ambassadors for Southern California.
– David Pollack, Softball Coach
Representing Team SOSC as head coach means being a steward of my athletes’ trust and a champion for their voices, ensuring they feel supported, empowered, and proud as they take on this incredible opportunity. These Games will strengthen their confidence, independence, and resilience, creating a transformative experience that stays with them long after the final competition.
– Sheila Lawton, Bowling Coach
Being part of Special Olympics means the world to me. I love being surrounded by such incredible athletes. My biggest challenge has been finding enough pool time, but I’ve committed to training every Tuesday and Thursday. I can’t wait to meet and compete with athletes from all across the U.S.
– Christina Principe – Swimming athlete
The Honor of Participation
For every athlete, coach, and volunteer, the 2026 USA Games represent more than medals – they symbolize inclusion, achievement, and the joy of sport. Competing on a national stage is a dream realized, and Team SOSC is ready to make Southern California proud. This journey is about more than winning; it’s about showcasing the limitless potential of every individual.
Join the excitement and follow the journey at www.sosc.org/usagames