When people look back on the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, held June 20–26 in Minnesota, they’ll remember the competition. They’ll remember athletes standing on podiums, medals around their necks, ribbons in hand, and years of hard work culminating in unforgettable moments.
But the Games were always about more than results.
Across a week that brought together more than 3,000 athletes from across the country, there were countless stories happening beyond the fields, courts, pools, and courses. Some unfolded in competition venues, others in health screenings and dorm hallways. Together, they highlight what makes the USA Games experience so special.
1. Finding Answers Through Healthy Athletes
For Unified Partner Ryan Erskine, the impact of USA Games extended far beyond the bowling alley.
While participating in a Healthy Athletes Special Smiles dental screening, Ryan learned that the tooth pain he had been experiencing was the result of an infection. Because of the screening, he was able to get treatment and address a health issue that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
“I came to USA Games thinking I was just dealing with some tooth pain, but thanks to the Healthy Athletes Special Smiles screening, I learned it was actually an infection that I was able to get treated. It’s something I probably wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. Getting to compete alongside my fellow bowling athletes was an incredible experience. Knowing that the Games also connected me with important healthcare makes it even more meaningful,” Ryan said.
The story serves as a powerful reminder of one of the lesser-known benefits of Special Olympics. Through Healthy Athletes, participants receive free health screenings and access to care in areas ranging from dental and vision health to hearing and mental well-being.
For Ryan, a trip to the screening area meant more than a checkup, it led to answers and treatment.
2. One Shoe, Full Speed Ahead
Some of the most memorable moments at USA Games happened before the medal podium.
One came during an athletics race featuring Southern California athlete Joan Ramirez. Just after the start of the 100M sprint, Ramirez’s left shoe came off. Most people would have slowed down. Instead, he kept running.
With one shoe on and one shoe off, Ramirez powered down the track and won his heat, creating a now-viral ESPN SportsCenter video social media post viewed by hundreds of thousands of people . The moment was made even better by the announcer’s call: “Who needs a pair of sneaks? Just one will do.”
The clip resonated because it captured something bigger than a win. It showcased the determination, resilience, and drive athletes bring to the Games every day – the commitment to keep going, no matter the obstacle.
As Unified Golf Partner Keiko Arouzman reflected, “Seeing thousands of athletes, volunteers, and supporters come together was a beautiful reminder of what happens when we build platforms that highlight people’s strengths and give them the space to thrive.”
Joan’s race lasted only seconds, but it perfectly captured the perseverance and spirit that define the USA Games.
3. The Hottest Competition May Not Have Been a Sport
Away from the competition venues, another kind of contest was taking place.
Pin trading was one of the most popular activities at USA Games as athletes, coaches, volunteers, and delegation members worked to collect pins from every state and program represented in Minnesota.
Each delegation arrived with its own uniquely designed pins, transforming hallways, dining halls, and gathering spaces into unofficial trading floors. Conversations frequently began with a simple question: “Want to trade?”
Some pins became especially sought after. Delegations from Hawaii and Oklahoma quickly earned reputations for having some of the most coveted designs, sparking a friendly frenzy among collectors determined to add them to their lanyards or backpacks.
Every four years, what began as a small souvenir tradition has become one of the easiest ways to connect with people from around the country. Every trade represents a new conversation, a new friendship, a new story.
More Than a Medal Count
Of course, athletes returned home with medals, ribbons, personal bests, and memories of competition. But many participants say the moments they’ll cherish most happened between the events.
For Lindsay Marksbury, Assistant Head of Delegation, the defining memory of the week wasn’t a podium finish.
“What I loved most about the Games was watching athletes lift each other up through both victories and setbacks, celebrating one another’s successes and offering support through every challenge,” she said.
That spirit could be found everywhere throughout the 2026 USA Games: in the roar of the crowd, the friendships formed across state lines, the support shown between competitors, and even in a simple pin trade.
The medals and ribbons told part of the story. The moments of connection, inclusion, and community told the rest.
Want to see more? Check out the SOSC USA Games photos on Flickr!