Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is proud to announce the selection of 45 athletes and Unified partners, as well as 15 coaches who have been invited to attend the official Team Michigan Training Camp in preparation for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games set to take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota. These athletes represent the best of Michigan, chosen based on their outstanding performance and dedication at statewide qualifying events.
“This is a monumental achievement,” said Tim Hileman, President & CEO of Special Olympics Michigan. “Our athletes have demonstrated the heart, courage, and commitment needed to stand on a national stage—and make Michigan proud.”
The selected athletes have excelled in sports ranging from athletics (track & field), swimming, powerlifting, gymnastics, flag football, soccer, as well as Unified bocce and volleyball—excellence that earned them gold medals or top placements at the 2025 SOMI State Summer Games at Central Michigan University, with the exception of the Flag Football and Unified Soccer teams, who were selected at the 2024 State Fall Games and November Classic. Their achievements meet or exceed the national performance standards required for Special Olympics USA Games.
The Grand Rapids-based Training Camp will serve as the final qualifier for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12, the Team Michigan delegation will gather for the first time at the Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center. The final team announcement will be made following Training Camp.
Schedule of Events
Friday, July 11
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Welcome & Introductions
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Informational Meeting
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sport Training Sessions
Saturday, July 12
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Uniform fittings, headshots, sports physicals
Athletes will officially begin their training cycle this fall, with regional workshops leading to the national camp in spring 2026. They will also participate in fundraising efforts supporting travel, lodging, and state-of-the-art training resources.