Athletes, families, and fans unite at Huntington Bank Stadium to celebrate a historic week of inclusion, triumph, and lifelong memories.
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games officially wrapped up on Friday evening, June 26, 2026. The Closing Ceremony brought thousands together under perfect weather at Huntington Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis for a final reflection of a wondrous week of athletic triumph and shared humanity, made possible by the unwavering support of presenting sponsors Jersey Mike’s and UnitedHealthcare.
Reliving the Magic of a Historic Week
The evening began with a warm welcome from master of ceremonies, Eric Perkins, creator of Perk at Play Productions and a self-proclaimed “2026 USA Games superfan.” His daughter, Jenna, is a Special Olympics Minnesota athlete who served as an honorary co-chair on the Board of Directors and an official flag bearer during the Opening Ceremony, while his son, George, competed in the Games as a Unified partner.
Eric Perkins called on attendees to support Special Olympics athletes in daily life, stating, “My hope is that this greater audience here tonight is inspired to take action... and ultimately continuing on this inclusion revolution that we are on.”
Joining him in honoring the event was Adam Hjerpe, the Board Chair, Unified coach, and proud dad of a Special Olympics athlete. Hjerpe celebrated the return of the Games to Minnesota after 35 years, saying, “This week we saw that vision come true, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything that it took, and everyone who made this amazing week possible.”
Hjerpe expressed gratitude for the coaches, Unified partners, families, and fans involved. He gave special thanks to the 10,000 volunteers who received a standing ovation, before dedicating the success of the Games to the athletes on the stadium floor. He acknowledged the 1,500+ days of executive-level planning and the tireless behind-the-scenes work of the local organizing committee, with “planning, checking the details, arranging, adapting, and most of all, delivering this experience for you.”
David Evangelista, global president and Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics International, shared several historic milestones from the week. Highlighting a historic logistics feat, Evangelista praised the Textron Aviation Airlift, noting that with “600 athletes and delegation members, 110 volunteer aircraft, they were landing one every three minutes... It was the largest peacetime aviation event in our nation’s history.”
He also celebrated a major milestone for the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which carried the Flame of Hope more than 10,000 miles across the country, literally the first-ever coast-to-coast torch run.
Evangelista welcomed RJ Nealon to the stage, a Special Olympics North America communications specialist, athlete reporter, Alabama alumnus, and former ESPN intern. Evangelista praised his groundbreaking work, noting, “We saw RJ Nealon create the first ever athlete-led media team... They were the change makers.”
“Athletes covering athletes–disability belongs in journalism, and this week proved that,” Nealon said.
2026 USA Games President and CEO Christy Sovereign, in her closing remarks, celebrated the unwavering community support, celebrating that Minnesota is famously known as the land of 10,000 lakes, but “this week we had more volunteers than lakes.”
After expressing her deep gratitude to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and First Lady Gwen Walz, she invited Jenna Perkins to the stage to present the official state proclamation issued by the Governor declaring ‘Special Olympics Week’ in the state of Minnesota.
Following a word of thanks to her Minnesota team for their diligent work, Sovereign reminded the audience that “while the Olympic flame burning beautifully in our cauldron will be extinguished tonight... the story of inclusion continues.”
Passing the Torch to Cleveland for the 2030 USA Games
The ceremonial passing of the Special Olympics flag from Minnesota to Cleveland was led by Hjerpe, Minnesota athlete Zach Miller, and Evangelista. Accepting the flag for the 2030 host city were Greater Cleveland Sports Commission President David Gilbert and Ohio athlete Adam Gilmer, prompting Sovereign to state, “We trust that you’ll be an incredible steward of the movement.”
Accepting the flag, Gilbert praised Minnesota for setting a high standard and declared that Cleveland is ready for the challenge. Evoking his city’s signature grit, Gilbert promised to “leave a legacy of change and inclusion,” adding, “We cannot wait to have you join us in Cleveland. Our community is ready to embrace you, and you will feel the love when you are there.”
The Closing Ceremony culminated as the cauldron flame faded from Huntington Bank Stadium. Escorted by Law Enforcement Torch Run Ohio State Director Detective Brandon Long and Special Olympics Ohio athlete Lauren Guy, the Flame of Hope was carried out of the stadium to signify the official conclusion of the 2026 Games.
More Than a Competition: A Lasting Legacy
While the medals have been awarded, the true impact of the week lies in the numbers that transformed the region:
- 3,000 athletes representing 52 delegations who redefined the word ‘possible’.
- 1,500 coaches who provided guidance, mentorship, and endless support.
- 10,000 volunteers who gave their time to keep the events running perfectly.
- 75,000 spectators filled the stands with unmatched joy and loud cheers.
- 16 sports hosted across the Twin Cities and the National Sports Center in Blaine.
Following the formal farewell, the evening transformed into official celebration time as Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx resident turntablist, DJ Mad Mardigan, brought Special Olympics athletes, coaches, and unified partners out to the middle of the stadium floor for one unforgettable final dance party.
You answered the call, Champions!
Evangelista’s closing remarks echoed powerfully across the stadium floor: “The Flame of Hope leaves Minnesota tonight, but it accompanies us everywhere we go. It’s our job to the athletes of Special Olympics, to the volunteers, to the coaches, to the families, it’s our job to keep this energy, to keep this vibe, to keep this love. Congratulations to all of you.”
A big thank you, Minnesota! See you all in Cleveland in 2030!