More than 1,200 athletes from across Virginia competed at the 2026 Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games on June 5 and 6 at the University of Richmond. Athletes competed in track and field, swimming, softball, tennis, and bowling. By the end of the weekend, they had earned more than 900 gold medals, 500 silver medals, and 300 bronze medals.
Competition began Friday across all five sports.
The Games opened Friday evening with a ceremony at Robins Stadium. Athlete Tyler Bernreuther lit the cauldron to open competition. Athlete Hannah Ellenbecker delivered the athlete address and was named the 2026 Athlete of the Year. Richmond's own Elliott Yamin performed and sang the National Anthem. CBS6 Evening News anchor GeNienne Samuels and SOVA athlete Erik Nelson served as co-hosts.
On Saturday morning, athletes went for gold in each of the five sports. While competition was underway, the Healthy Athletes program served more than 500 athletes. Screenings covered vision, dental, podiatry, and general wellness. The program provides free health services that many athletes would not otherwise have access to.
Olympic Town ran alongside competition on Saturday, bringing community members to campus for food, shopping, and live entertainment. The weekend closed with an Olympic Celebration Saturday evening.
More than 2,000 volunteers and 230 coaches supported athletes throughout the weekend.