Beyond Sports

At the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, we aim to create dynamic, must-attend events that captivate audiences and celebrate the incredible abilities and accomplishments of the ID community. By leveraging the influence of star power, ambassadors, and athletes, we want to create unforgettable moments that inspire and engage.

Rooted in inclusion, our events spotlight personal stories, diverse performances, and meaningful participation, ensuring authenticity in both planning and execution. We honor the rich cultural tapestry of Minnesota by integrating local cuisine, music, art, and traditions, showcasing the state’s vibrant heritage while fostering unity and celebration for all.

From high-energy engagements to heartfelt ceremonies, the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will feature a lineup of special events that bring athletes, families, volunteers, and fans together. Each event is designed to inspire, entertain, and highlight the spirit of inclusion, creating unforgettable experiences beyond the competition.

• Law Enforcement Torch Run: A longstanding tradition of Special Olympics, the Law Enforcement Torch Run brings together law enforcement officers and athletes who run side by side, carrying the Flame of Hope for miles across cities, towns, and landmarks to raise awareness for the Games. The Law Enforcement Torch Run will make history in 2026 with the longest route in USA Games history and the first-ever coast-to-coast run, spreading awareness nationwide. Beginning at the Eternal Flame of Hope in Chicago, IL, the torch will journey across the country before the Final Leg makes multiple stops throughout Minnesota. The run will culminate in the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, marking the official start of the Games.
• Opening Ceremony: The Opening Ceremony is a thrilling celebration that will officially kick off the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Held at Huntington Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota, this unforgettable event will include the Parade of Athletes, honoring all 52 delegations, as well as the lighting of the 2026 USA Games’ unique cauldron, the final moment of the historic Torch Run, signifying the official start of the Games. Following the lighting of the cauldron, the event will feature live musical performances and showcases of Minnesota’s rich heritage.
• Fan Zone: For the first time in USA Games history, Fan Zone will be split across three different locations—the University of Minnesota, National Sports Center, and Mall of America—offering unique experiences that bring fans closer to the excitement of the Games.
  
  • Fan Fest at University of Minnesota: Located in the Maroon Lot near Huntington Bank Stadium, Fan Fest will be a high-energy gathering place featuring live entertainment, including local Minnesota bands, national music talent, fan karaoke, and panel discussions. Fans can also enjoy fun activities, photo ops, a biergarten tent, local food trucks, sport demos, and interactive activations from official partners.
  • National Sports Center Fan Zone: Centrally located on the grounds of the National Sports Center, this Fan Zone will offer a mix of entertainment and engagement, including local food trucks, sport demos, photo ops, a healthy/recovery station, and interactive activations from official partners.
  • Mall of America Fan Zone: Held in the Huntington Bank Rotunda, this Fan Zone will be an interactive and educational space celebrating the history of Special Olympics and the USA Games. Mallgoers will have the opportunity to send video messages and handcrafted art to support athletes. Additionally, starting in late 2025, the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will have its own store at Mall of America, offering fans a chance to take home a piece of the Games.
• Healthy Athletes: The Healthy Athletes program provides Special Olympics athletes with free health screenings in seven critical disciplines: Vision/Eye Health, Audiology, Dentistry, Prevention and Nutrition, Emotional Health, Physical Therapy, and Podiatry. People with intellectual disabilities often face significant barriers to quality healthcare—receiving substandard care or, in some cases, no care at all. Healthy Athletes helps bridge this gap by offering essential health services that many athletes would not otherwise have access to. Throughout the Games, Healthy Athletes stations will be located at the University of Minnesota, ensuring that athletes have the opportunity to prioritize their well-being while competing at their best.
• Young Athletes: Young Athletes is an inclusive program designed for children of all abilities aged 2-7, helping them develop core motor, social, and cognitive skills through play. By introducing basic sport skills like running, throwing, and kicking, along with activities that encourage sharing, taking turns, and following directions, Young Athletes lays a strong foundation for success in family, school, and community life. This program not only fosters early development and active lifestyles but also promotes understanding and acceptance, as children without disabilities learn to appreciate and include others from an early age.
• ESPN Unified Sports Challenge: First introduced at the 2018 USA Games in Seattle, the ESPN Unified Sports Challenge pairs Special Olympics athletes with Unified partners and celebrities to compete together in a fun and engaging way. The event raises awareness for Special Olympics’ Unified Sports program, which promotes inclusion and teamwork. ESPN, the Global Presenting Sponsor of Unified Sports and the Official Broadcaster for the Special Olympics USA Games, continues to support this exciting initiative, helping to spotlight the power of sport to unite people of all abilities.
• Unified Work Summit: Sponsored by Accenture, the Unified Work Summit is a new initiative debuting at the 2026 USA Games. The event will feature two tracks: an athlete track, which provides direct career development resources through panels, booths, and mentorship, and a corporate track, which equips employers with a toolkit to create more accessible, accommodating, and inclusive workplaces. The athlete track will help individuals with intellectual disabilities develop essential skills for entering the workforce, such as LinkedIn profile creation, resume-building, and interview preparation. The summit will connect participants with inclusive employers, addressing the underemployment and unemployment crisis within the ID community, where only 18.5% are employed to the level of their abilities.
• Closing Ceremony: The Closing Ceremony, held at Huntington Bank Stadium, will be the grand finale of what promises to be a memorable and exciting week at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. This festive event will include inspiring speeches, live performances, and the symbolic passing of the torch to the next USA Games in 2030. It will be a celebration of the athletes’ accomplishments, the spirit of inclusion, and the lasting impact of the Games.