Special Olympics Virginia athletes and coaches arrived in Minneapolis late Friday night to compete in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Running June 20-27, the Games bring together more than 3,000 athletes from all 50 states across 16 sports.
The delegation flew out of Dulles Airport, and Virginia made sure they left in style. A police escort accompanied the team on the way to the airport, giving athletes, coaches, and staff a proper send-off before the long trip to Minnesota.
After arriving late Friday, Saturday was about getting into the rhythm of the Games. Athletes spent time trading pins with delegations from other states, one of the most well-known traditions at USA Games. Every state brings its own pins to swap, and the trading floor gets competitive fast. By the end of the day, Team Virginia had new pins from across the country and new connections to go with them.
That evening, the Games officially opened in a big way. Demi Lovato and Jon Batiste performed at Opening Ceremony, capping off a full first day and signaling that the week ahead would be unlike anything else in sports.
Sunday was more focused. Each sport held a practice session, giving athletes their first real time in the competition venues. For many, it was the first chance to get on the floor, in the pool, or on the field where they'll compete this week. Coaches used the time to make final adjustments and get their athletes ready to go.
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Meet The Team
Competition runs through June 27. Follow Team Virginia's week at specialolympicsva.org.