JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri athletes will compete at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota, June 20–26. This is the largest national Special Olympics competition in the country and happens every four years. Team Missouri will represent the state in 12 sports:
Athletics/track and field, basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, golf, pickleball, powerlifting, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.
These athletes have trained year-round to earn their spot on Team Missouri. We can connect you with athletes in your area who are available for interviews before they depart for Minneapolis.
The 2026 USA Games Opening Ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC+/ESPN+, with a rebroadcast on ABC on Sunday, June 21. ESPN will also broadcast track and field and powerlifting events — meaning Missouri athletes will appear on a national stage beyond the competition floor.
Special Olympics Missouri is hosting sendoff celebrations across the state the week before the Games. These are community events where family, friends, and supporters can cheer athletes on before they leave for Minneapolis. They are high-energy, visually compelling events ideal for TV and photo coverage. These events are free and open to the public.
Statewide Pep Rally — Kirksville
On Thursday, June 18 at 7:00 PM, Special Olympics Missouri will host a free, public USA Games Pep Rally at Pershing Arena on the campus of Truman State University in Kirksville. The event features a chance to meet the USA Games athletes, a special performance by Magic Amanda, and an appearance by Shiver Bear, the Special Olympics mascot.
Sendoff events by region:
St. Louis Metro: June 15 | 4:00–6:00 PM | World Wide Technology, 1 World Wide Way, Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Central Missouri: June 18 | 10:30 AM | Love Coffee, 15 Business Loop 70, Columbia, MO 65203
Kansas City Metro: June 18 | 11:00 AM | Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114
North Missouri: June 18 | 9:00 AM | St. Joseph City Hall, 1100 Frederick Ave, St. Joseph, MO 64501
Southeast Missouri: June 18 | 8:00 AM | Drury Plaza Hotel, 3351 Percy, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Southwest Missouri: June 18 | 9:30 AM | SOMO Southwest Office, 3524 South National Ave, Springfield, MO 65807