TEAM MICHIGAN | Special Olympics USA Games Update | June 19, 2026

Textron Aviation
AND THEY’RE OFF! Team Michigan athletes, coaches, Unified partners, and delegation members departed Grand Rapids this morning for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games after an exciting sendoff at the Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center. Family members, supporters, and staff lined the route as the Grand Rapids Police Department provided a special escort to the airport. Thanks to the incredible support of Textron Aviation, much of the delegation traveled to Minneapolis on private aircraft, making for an unforgettable start to the week.
After arriving, Team Michigan settled into the University of Minnesota, which will serve as the athletes’ home throughout the Games.
Delegation members explored campus, met athletes from across the country, and took part in one of the USA Games’ favorite traditions—trading state pins with fellow competitors from all 52 delegations.
The evening concluded with the Athlete Welcome celebration, where Team Michigan danced, celebrated, and officially kicked off an incredible week of competition and inclusion.
Media Coverage of Team Michigan’s Departure
Tomorrow: Opening Ceremony
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games officially begin Saturday evening with Opening Ceremony at Huntington Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus. The celebration will feature the Parade of Athletes, the arrival of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg, the lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron, and performances by Demi Lovato and Jon Batiste.
Watch Live:
The Opening Ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m. and will stream live on ESPN+, Disney+, and the ESPN App.

 

 


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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)