Special Olympics Georgia sends 63 delegates to USA Games in Minnesota

Special Olympics Georgia is sending a 63-person delegation to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota, where athletes will compete across six sports from June 20-26. The event is designed to spotlight inclusion and could draw tens of thousands of fans to one of the year’s largest U.S. sporting events. Why it matters: - Team Georgia will represent Special Olympics Georgia on a national stage that aims to change perceptions about inclusion and disability through sport. - The 2026 USA Games are expected to draw tens of thousands of fans and more than 3,000 athletes from all 50 states. - The event creates a high-profile platform for Georgia athletes, coaches and unified partners to compete and showcase the Special Olympics movement. What happened: - Special Olympics Georgia announced that Team Georgia will compete at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. - The delegation includes 63 athletes, unified partners, coaches, SOGA team members and medical staff. - The Games run June 20-26, 2026, across Minnesota’s Twin Cities. - Competition sites include the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine. The details: - Team Georgia will compete in Artistic Gymnastics, Athletics, Unified Golf, Unified Softball, Unified Basketball and Traditional Cheerleading. - The USA Games feature 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports. - Jersey Mike’s Subs and UnitedHealthcare are co-presenting partners for the Games. - Special Olympics Georgia says it is proud to send the delegation to represent the state. - The organization encouraged supporters to cheer on Team Georgia at the Games. - For more information, contact Liz Smith at liz.smith@specialolympicsga.org. - Additional social links shared by the organization include LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook , YouTube and X . Between the lines: - The USA Games are positioned as more than a competition, with organizers framing them as a national celebration of inclusivity and positive change. - Georgia’s delegation reflects the Special Olympics model of unified competition, which pairs athletes with partners in select sports. - The scale of the event gives state programs a rare opportunity for visibility, fundraising momentum and community engagement. What’s next: - Team Georgia will travel to Minnesota ahead of the June 20-26 Games. - Athletes will compete during the weeklong event across the Twin Cities region. - Special Olympics Georgia is likely to use the Games to build support around its athletes and the broader program. The bottom line: - Special Olympics Georgia is sending a sizable, multi-sport delegation to one of the country’s biggest inclusion-focused sports events, with Minnesota set to host a national showcase for Special Olympics athletes.