One more sleep until the Team Michigan delegation takes off for the 2026 USA Games in Minneapolis, MN.
Daily Team Michigan communication updates will be distributed throughout the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, providing the latest medal counts, competition results, athlete highlights, photos, schedules, and important announcements from Minneapolis.
Our goal is to keep families, media partners, and supporters informed and engaged as Team Michigan competes on the national stage.
Updates will be posted to the SOMI homepage nightly following the evening delegation meeting. These updates are expected to be distributed late (9:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m.) We will get them to you as soon as we are able!
Please note we will not be replying directly to this email. If you know someone who would like to be added to this list, email somi@somi.org. For media inquiries, interview requests, or story ideas, contact Lourin Sprenger. Family members with questions related to the delegation or daily updates should contact Jamie Cotter.
Tomorrow: Team Michigan Send Off
Friday, June 19, community members are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue and help create an unforgettable "Clap Out" as Team Michigan departs for the airport, where they will be escorted by members of the Grand Rapids Police Department.
Team Michigan will depart in two waves. The first wave, consisting primarily of athletes, will be escorted to an airline hangar where they will fly privately to USA Games, courtesy of Textron Aviation.
The second wave, consisting of athletes, coaches, and program staff, will depart for the airport for a commercial flight out of Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
Wave One
Delegation Arrival: 7:15 a.m.
Clap Out: 7:45 a.m.
Wave Two
Delegation Arrival: 9:15 a.m.
Clap Out: 9:45 a.m.
Location
Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center
160 68th Street SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49548
Watch her SOAR!
Special Olympics Michigan athlete Liz Viele is taking center stage in SOARING, a new documentary presented by Red Baron that follows three female Special Olympics gymnasts on their journey to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Narrated by Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson East, the film highlights Liz's decades-long commitment to Special Olympics, and her debut at the USA Games in gymnastics.
Follow Team Michigan
Michigan Social Media Channels
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Flickr
USA Games Social Media Channels
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Official Hashtags
#TeamMichigan | #USAgames2026 | #ShineAsOne
Competition Schedule
Regular updates and competition times can be found on the USA Games webpage or by downloading the Champions App.
SOMI will be releasing a daily "Medal Count" update with highlights and scores once competition begins. You can also track scores in real time with the results platform.
ESPN Coverage of USA Games
ESPN will provide extensive coverage of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games from June 20-26, bringing the competition to audiences nationwide through ESPN+, Disney+, ABC, and the ESPN App. Coverage begins with the Opening Ceremony and continues throughout the week, featuring live competition, while showcasing the inspiring stories of athletes from across the country.
Coverage Schedule (EST)
- June 20, 7:30 p.m.
Opening Ceremony (ESPN+/Disney+) - June 21, Noon
USA Games Preview Show (ABC) - June 23-26
Live coverage of Athletics, Swimming, & Powerlifting (ESPN+) - June 25, 2:00 p.m.
Unified Flag Football Gold Medal Game (NFL Network, ESPN+, Disney+) - July 25, Noon
USA Games Review Show (ABC)