2026 USA Special Olympics Games

The Special Olympics USA Games is a premier, national sports competition that showcases the power and joy of sports at the highest levels.

The USA Games take place every four years with previous host cities being: Ames, Iowa (2006); Lincoln, Nebraska (2010); Lawrenceville, New Jersey (2014); Seattle, Washington (2018); Orlando, Florida (2022). The next Special Olympics USA Games will take place in 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Every four years, the Special Olympics USA Games provide an opportunity for athletes to compete at the national level in summer sports.

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will bring together 4,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and 75,000 fans from all 50 states. Through the power of sports and inclusion, the Special Olympics USA Games will spark a change that transforms lives, communities and the world.

Special Olympics New Hampshire’s delegation will include:

• Leadership (Head of Delegation, Assistant Head of Delegation, Medical, Additional Staff)
• Youth Leadership
  • 1 athlete, 1 Unified Partner, 1 mentor
• Athletes, Unified Partners and Coaches in the following sports
  • Athletics – 2 male athletes, 2 female athletes, 1 coach
  • Bocce – 2 male athletes, 2 female athletes, 1 coach
  • Bowling – 2 male athletes, 2 female athletes, 1 coach
  • Golf (Level 2 Unified, Alternate Shot Team Play – 9-hole) – 2 male athletes, 2 female athletes, 1 coach
  • Powerlifting – 1 male athlete, 1 female athlete, 1 coach
  • Swimming – 2 male athletes, 2 female athletes, 1 coach
  • Tennis – 1 male athlete, 1 female athlete, 1 coach

Team New Hampshire Delegation Selection

• Special Olympics New Hampshire will randomly draw names from the gold medal winning athletes in the sports above from the following events:
  • State Golf 2024
  • State Bowling 2024
  • State Summer Games 2025
• Athlete may only be selected for one sport.
• Coaches applying to be part of the Team New Hampshire delegation must…
  • Be 21 years of age by December 1, 2025
  • Be a compliant Local Program Volunteer by December 1, 2025.
  • Be sport specific certified by SONH by March 1, 2026.
  • Your primary Special Olympics commitment from December 2025-June 2026 will be to Team NH. You will be training with your Team NH athletes monthly.
  • Be willing and able to serve as both a sport specific coach (or delegate) and an athlete chaperone for all Team NH activities leading up to and during the time of the Games. Team NH will be in sport mode or state mode. When we are in state mode you will probably not be with your athletes.
  • Keep in regular contact with your Team NH athletes and families as well as the athletes Local Program Coordinator (or designee). We expect coaches to speak with their athletes, families and Local Program, at least, monthly from November 2025 – June 2026 (once after the Games).
  • Coaches will be expected to be in regular communication with the Head and Assistant Head of Delegation.
  • Raise a minimum of $200 to offset the expenses of Team NH participation at the 2026 USA Games.
• Athletes and Unified Partners selected to be a part of Team New Hampshire…
• Must be 16 years old by the date of Opening Ceremonies (June 16, 2026).
• Must be able to handle all toileting, showering and daily hygiene needs independently (coaches can easily provide reminders for their athletes’ care, but athletes must be able to attend to their own needs, efficiently).
• Must be able to stay away from home for 3 weekends and 8 days.
• Be able to get a ride or drive yourself to all Team New Hampshire (NH) functions.
• Participate in all Team NH activities.
• Let your work/school know your schedule so you may get time off for your Team NH responsibilities.
• Communicate frequently with your sport’s coaching staff or Team NH’s Leadership Team.
• Be committed to training regularly in your sport from the time you are selected until the 2026 USA Games.
• Follow guidelines of the coaching / SONH USA Games Leadership Team.
• Must travel to the Games with Team NH, but you may travel home with your family, approval needed.
• Must be able to be with different people such as coaches, staff, or others, but always with a SONH Leadership Team member or approved volunteer.
• Raise a minimum of $200 to offset the expenses of Team NH’s participation at the 2026 USA Games.

Special Olympics New Hampshire does not play a part in organizing this event, only in preparing and bringing the Team New Hampshire delegation. For those interested in supporting these games as a volunteer or partner, you can visit the 2026 USA Games website at 2026 USA Games.