This is great news, Minnesota will host the Special Olympics USA Games in 2026! What a super opportunity for Minnesota athletes to be able to compete on their home turf in front of family and friends against athletes from all over the world.

This event is expected to bring as many as 4,000 athletes, 10,000 volunteers, 1,500 coaches, and 75,000 fans from all 50 states, Canada, and the Caribbean to the Twin Cities. Governor Tim Walz said in a statement today:

I am proud and excited that Minnesota will host the 2026 USA Special Olympics Games. Minnesota has always been an epicenter for health and wellness, and that includes inclusive health for all Minnesotans. Hosting the USA Special Olympics Games emphasizes our commitment to creating a state where everyone can participate in athletic competition and pursue their goals at the highest level.

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The 2026 games will include 15 Olympic-type teams and individual sports and five demonstration sports. The competitions will be held at the University of Minnesota and some other Twin Cities venues. In the past cities that have hosted the games have generated more than $70 million for the host city.

The Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization that gives people with intellectual disabilities the ability to compete in a variety of sports. This year the Special Olympics USA Games will be held June 5-12 in Orlando Florida. Some of the sports include Half Court Basketball, Individual Bowling, Softball, Basketball, Swimming, and more. Mix108 has been a proud sponsor of the Polar Plunge every winter which raises funds for Special Olympic athletes here in the Twin Ports! For more information on this story click here.

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