Legendary Joy on the Court at the 2026 Basketball Championships

Richmond, VA — Special Olympics Virginia welcomed athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters to the 2026 Basketball Championships, held February 21–22 at the Henrico Sports & Events Center. Now in its third year at the venue, the championships brought teams from across the Commonwealth together for two days of basketball competition.

More than 900+ Special Olympics Virginia athletes took the court, supported by 150+ coaches, 200+ event volunteers, and 1,000+ supporters throughout the weekend. Athletes competed in individual skills events, half-court, full-court, and Unified basketball divisions, demonstrating teamwork and sportsmanship during divisional play and awards presentations.

“Special Olympics gives you a front row seat to the best of humanity. There’s smiles everywhere. There’s good sportsmanship everywhere. There’s wishing each other well all over the place.”

That sense of Legendary Joy carried throughout the weekend as athletes competed across all divisions. Families, teammates, and fans filled the stands across every court, cheering athletes on through Saturday and Sunday as they worked toward earning gold medals.

Saturday night’s Opening Ceremony brought the Special Olympics Virginia community together to officially begin the championships. The ceremony featured a performance by Richmond Urban Dance, remarks from community leaders and athletes, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Virginia, and special guest Jon Burkett from WTVR CBS 6.

Competition and award recognitions continued on Sunday as athletes returned to the court to complete play and receive medals in their respective divisions. The weekend concluded with teams celebrating their efforts and achievements.

The 2026 Basketball Championships were made possible by the athletes, coaches, families, volunteers, and supporters. Thank you to our sponsors—CBS 6, RCS Moving, and Davis & Green—for supporting competition throughout the weekend.

Links to photos