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The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will take place in Minnesota, bringing together athletes, coaches and fans who will showcase inclusion, competition and how to unify the world through sport

Check out the latest stories as we prepare for one of the biggest competitions of 2026.

With 16 team and individual sports on display, get ready to be inspired!

Your source for 2026 USA Games athlete stories, event highlights, and media resources.

In 2026, the Special Olympics USA Games is uniting over 100,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers and fans in Minnesota.

Homebased in Savage, Minnesota, Adam Hjerpe serves as the dedicated Board Chair of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, in addition to his roles as dad to Special Olympics athlete Steven, coach, and Unified partner. With an extraordinary background spanning almost 20 years and multiple leadership roles at UnitedHealth Group and now as Chief Operating Officer at Medica, Adam brings valuable expertise and a commitment to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games’ achievement of excellence.

Christine (Christy) Sovereign is the Chief Executive Officer for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. As an executive on loan from Accenture, she brings 35 years of business and leadership experience coupled with a very personal story, having grown up alongside sister Katie, a distinguished Special Olympics athlete and Global Messenger.

Tracy Tish brings over 30 years of experience from Accenture, US Bank, and as an international consultant to the leadership team. As Chief of Staff for the 2026 USA Games, he orchestrates executive-level guidance, fostering cohesion within the leadership team, and ensuring alignment with key Games milestones.

Mary Horwath serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. With more than 35 years in the sports business, Mary is perhaps best known for her achievements at Rollerblade Inc., transforming a small hockey training product into a $100M+ global sports phenomenon. Her work is truly in a league of its own!

Lonnie Snyder is sharing his wealth of experience with the leadership team, including 28 years of nonprofit IT innovation, 8 years with Special Olympics International. He served as the Chief Information Officer for the USA Games in 2022, and is now ready to knock it out of the park once again in 2026!