Thousands of athletes will soon arrive in the Twin Cities this week for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
For many athletes, this may be their first time spending the night away from home, and that can be overwhelming.
Gina Brady is the sensory supports and training program manager at Fraser. "Now they're in a dorm for a week and in a shared living environment," says Brady. "So it could be a really big change, it's really away from their usual routine."
Sensory friendly spaces will be available throughout the Games, including at MSP Airport, competition venues, and athlete events.
"Adding these sensory supports on top really just makes sure that these athletes are really supported, have a wonderful positive experience," Brady explains.
Brady says those sensory-friendly spaces, including lounges, are an important aspect for the athletes arriving and departing at MSP Airport.
"More of a multi-user space, there could be quite a few people in there at a time, and there are some activities set up in there," Brady adds. "It's just a little bit more of a controlled environment from the rest of the concourse, and there will be three of those at Terminal 1, and one of those at Terminal 2."
That's just a part of all of the pieces coming together as athletes come to the Twin Cities for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, with 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers, and 75,000 fans from all 50 states expected to attend.
The Games are scheduled to take place from June 20-26 at the University of Minnesota, the official host venue. In addition to the university, the event will unfold across other locations, including the National Sports Center in Blaine.
The games get underway with an opening ceremony Saturday night at 6:30 in Huntington Bank Stadium, featuring separate performances from Demi Lovato and Jon Batiste. It will also include a parade of athletes, and the lighting of the one-of-a-kind Minnesota cauldron, signaling the start of the competition.
Event Highlights:
- Law Enforcement Torch Run: The excitement for the 2026 USA Games begins 2-3 weeks in advance with the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Law enforcement members, alongside Special Olympics athletes, will carry the “Flame of Hope” across key markets, creating a sense of anticipation and unity leading up to the Opening Ceremony.
- Opening and Closing Ceremonies: The Opening Ceremony promises to be a spectacular event, with an anticipated sold-out stadium. Witness the inspiring Parade of Athletes, the lighting of the cauldron, compelling speeches, headline performances, and the symbolic passing of the torch at the end of the week during the Closing Ceremony.
- Healthy Athletes Experience: As a signature program of Special Olympics, the Healthy Athletes Experience offers health screening stations and services free of charge to all participating athletes. This initiative ensures the holistic well-being of our athletes, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
- Fan Zone: The Fan Zone is where the magic happens off the field. With daily programming, evening festivities, partner activations, and exciting interactions, it’s the perfect space for the community to come together and celebrate the spirit of the Games.
