MINNEAPOLIS – Over 115,000 people are expected in the Twin Cities when Minnesota hosts the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Governor Tim Walz announced on Friday that the University of Minnesota would be the host site, with events played throughout on-campus facilities, as well as state-of-the-art facilities in the Twin Cities.
The games’ projected economic impact is $70 million.
“It’ll showcase these incredible athletes, the work they do, and the idea of inclusiveness in our society,” Governor Walz said. “Minnesota has always prided ourselves on our health and wellness, but making sure that includes everyone.”
Minnesota received the hosting bid after beating out three other states, including Texas.
“We are super honored that the 2026 games will be held here,” said Special Olympics Minnesota President and CEO, Dave Dorn. “It is a huge event with measurable impact across the state.”
News of the games coming to the Twin Cities drew excitement from Special Olympics athletes who were in attendance. Erik Anderson participates in golf and basketball, he’s also an Administrative Services Assistant with Special Olympics Minnesota.
“It means a lot because we’re going to have it at home. It will be a nice opportunity to compete and volunteer,” Anderson said.
Anderson is among the 140 Minnesota athletes headed to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando from June 5 through the 12.
“It’s nice, Orlando will be nice, but to have it home is a big ordeal,” added Anderson.
Anderson’s longtime coach and unified partner, Darrel Knauss, said having the games in Minnesota will open even more doors for athletes.
“When you travel to Orlando, you can only take a finite number of people with you,” Knauss said. “When it’s held in Minnesota, you can have a lot more people participate.”
As a host site, the University of Minnesota will provide athletic, medical, and housing spaces for the event.
The Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando will welcome 5,500 athletes and coaches together from across the U.S. and Caribbean. The seven-day event includes 19 Olympic-style team and individual sports.
