Special Olympics USA games kickoff in Minnesota

Minnesota is hosting one of the country’s biggest sporting events this week: the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. The official event site says more than 3,000 athletes are competing in 16 sports at University of Minnesota venues and other Twin Cities locations. ESPN reports the Games kicked off June 20 in Minneapolis, with nearly 3,000 athletes from all 50 states competing, and ESPN+ carrying live coverage throughout the week. The official competition schedule runs through Friday, June 26, with real-time results available as events continue across the metro.