June 20 - 26, 2026
Every four years, Special Olympics conducts a national summer games in the United States that includes athletes from all 52 US Programs.
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will bring together 4,000 athletes and partners and 1,500 coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean to Minnesota to compete in a variety of sports.
Team West Virginia will be represented by 35 athletes, partners, coaches, staff & medical professional.
Team WV will compete in the following sports:
- Athletics
- Bocce
- Bowling
- Cornhole
- Golf
- Swimming
We will also have a Unified Champion Schools pair and mentor attend the Youth Leadership Experience at the Games.
Athletes, partners & coaches
To be eligible to apply, you must have competed or participated in a SOWV state competition in 2024.
For most sports, you must have won a gold medal to qualify. However, some silver & bronze medals may qualify.
An eligibility list of athletes will be provided by December 1, 2024 for summer sports. If your name is on the list, you may complete the application process. The application will be posted along with the list.
You must submit an application to be considered.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Qualifying Competitions
2024 is the year to qualify for the 2026 USA Games in Minnesota.
State Golf (May 2024)
State Summer Games (June 2024)
Athletics (track & field)
Aquatics (swimming)
Bocce
Cornhole
Golf
State Bowling (December 7-8, 2024)
In the event there are not enough eligible athletes in the 2024 Games, gold medal winners from 2023 SOWV State Games may be used.
Competition Eligibility Requirements
For most sports, athletes must win a gold medal in their division at a state competition in 2024 to be eligible for USA Games. For some sports, places other than gold may be considered depending on the number of athletes participating in a sport.
Some sports/events have minimum performance standards that must be met to be considered.
My name is on the list - does that mean I am going to USA Games?
No. If your name is on the eligibility list, you are eligible to submit an application. You must submit an application to be considered, but also must still go through the interview process and be approved by both SOWV and your county director to attend.
Can I go to USA Games if I have already been?
Priority consideration will be given first to athletes, partners & coaches who have not already had the opportunity to participate in USA or World Games. However, there are instances where athletes who have been before are selected again.
I need a one-on-one chaperone, can I be considered for USA Games?
Team West Virginia has a required 4:1 athlete-to-coach ratio, so we are not able to select athletes that require more assistance.
How are coaches selected for USA Games?
Similar to athlete and partner selection, coaches will also go through an application and selection process. To qualify, coaches must be an active, Level 2 – Advanced Certified Coach with Special Olympics WV.
See what qualifications are required to be a Level 2 – Advanced Certified Coach.
Is there a cost to attend USA Games?
No athlete is ever charged to participate in Special Olympics. However, there is a cost for Team WV to attend. Local county programs who have athletes/partners/coaches selected to represent Team WV at any higher-level competition are charged a nominal fee after the Games and therefore will be asked to assist with fundraising efforts leading up to the event.
Special Thanks to our Corporate Sponsor – Walmart – for supporting the 2022 Team WV!
