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Tyler Sarff has participated in Special Olympics Minnesota since 2017, and ever since, his favorite part about the organization is that it is the place where he feels welcome just the way he is. His friends and the broader Special Olympics community make competing that much more fun for Tyler! Some of the sports he has participated in include Unified bowling and basketball.

Connor Tingle has only been involved in Special Olympics Mississippi for 2 years so far, but he already has had quite the impressive career, and he has loved every minute of the opportunity to compete with his peers. Connor is a dedicated and accomplished powerlifter for Special Olympics, and he is excited for the next USA Games in Minnesota.

Yoli Shields has been an enthusiastic competitor involved with Special Olympics Georgia for 13 years, and there is nothing that she loves more about it than the people she gets to interact with as a result, especially her fantastic coaches. The sports Yoli primarily participates in are swimming and bocce.

As the regional president and managing director of Special Olympics North America, Greg Epperson has been involved with every USA Games event since the movement began in 2006. His connection to Special Olympics spans over three decades, beginning with his volunteer work as a coach in 1986 and evolving into various impactful roles within the organization. Most recently, he served as the Vice President of Sports for Special Olympics North America, demonstrating his deep commitment to the mission.

Travis Anderson, a shareholder at Fredrikson & Byron, P.A., also serves as the Director and General Counsel for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, offering both his legal acumen and a commitment to inclusion. Travis’s connection to Special Olympics traces back to his high school years when he first volunteered, igniting a lifelong dedication to the cause. Over the past three decades, he has brought his passion to hundreds of Special Olympics events, leaving a profound impact on the community. His extensive involvement includes serving on the Board of Directors of Special Olympics Minnesota for six years.

Roy Smalley is a former professional baseball shortstop who played in Major League Baseball for 13 years for teams including the Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox. Roy is currently a financial advisor and senior partner in the Smalley Muldowney Group. He also serves as president of the board of Pitch In For Baseball, a nonprofit organization that supplies baseball and softball equipment to underserved communities.

Judy Vijums is the Chief Financial Officer for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, hailing from Cobalt Capital Partners. A lover of all things swimming and water-related, she is ready to “make a splash” with the 2026 USA Games and leave a lasting legacy in the state of Minnesota.

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.