TEAM MICHIGAN | Special Olympics USA Games Update | June 21, 2026

USA Games June 21 Practice
After an unforgettable Opening Ceremony, Team Michigan shifted its focus to competition with a full day of training and sport-specific practices across Minneapolis at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Athletes had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with competition venues, fine-tune their skills, and make final preparations before competition officially begins on Monday, June 22.
Coaches emphasized confidence, teamwork, and staying focused as Team Michigan enters the first day of competition ready to represent the Great Lakes State on the national stage.
The energy throughout the delegation is high, and athletes are eager to put months of hard work into action as they compete against the nation's best at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Photos from today’s practice are available here.
ICYMI: Team Michigan made an unforgettable entrance during the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Opening Ceremony! If you didn't catch it live on ESPN, you can watch the delegation's entrance here.
Photos from Opening Ceremony are available here.

Tomorrow: Competition Begins!
The wait is over—official competition begins Monday, June 21. While most teams and individual sports are still in the preliminary stages, Gymnastics will host its All Around Final, making Michigan eligible for potential medals.

  • Athletics
    9:00 a.m. – Running Long Jump – Qori Nelson
    9:00 a.m. – Shotput – Sammie Thum
    9:15 a.m. – Running Long Jump – Dillion Maynard
    9:15 a.m. – 1500m – Molly Hincka
    10:00 a.m. – 50m – Sammie Thum
    10:00 a.m. – 50m – Robert Bergum
    11:00 a.m. – 400m – Dillon Maynard
    11:00 a.m. – 400m – Qori Nelson
    11:00 a.m. – 400m – Robert Bergum
  • Bocce
    OFF DAY
  • Gymnastics
    9:00 a.m. – All Around Final – Liz Viele
    9:00 a.m. – All Around Final – Anna Barnes
    2:00 p.m. – All Around Final – Sara Falgout
    2:00 p.m. – All Around Final – Rilynn Nederveld
  • Flag Football
    10:00 a.m. – Michigan vs. New Jersey
  • Powerlifting
    OFF DAY
  • Soccer
    10:30 a.m. – Michigan vs. Texas
    3:00 p.m. – Michigan vs. Washington
  • Swimming
    10:00 a.m. – 50yd Butterfly – Aspen Avery
    10:15 a.m. – 25yd Freestyle – Johnathan Yee
    10:30 a.m. – 50yd Breaststroke – Josh Bunsis
    12:00 p.m. – 25yd Backstroke – Jonathan Yee
  • Unified Volleyball
    1:00 p.m. – Michigan vs. Mississippi
    3:00 p.m. – Michigan vs. North Dakota
*All competition times are CST
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 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)