The 2026 Opening Ceremony

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the 2026Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games Opening Ceremony, taking place Friday, June 5, at 7 pm at the University of Richmond's Robins Stadium.

This year’s event will be hosted by two impactful emcees:

This year’s event will be hosted by two impactful emcees:

Erik Nelson

Special Olympics Virginia Athlete

GeNienne Samuels

CBS6 Evening News Anchor

Live Performances that Inspire
We’re excited to welcome singer-songwriter Elliott Yamin to the Opening Ceremony stage. Best known as a Top 3 finalist on Season 5 of American Idol and for his hit single “Wait for You,” Yamin has inspired audiences worldwide with his soulful voice, perseverance, and passion for music. Having moved to Richmond, Virginia at age 11, he remains closely connected to the community while also using his platform to support diabetes awareness and numerous charitable causes around the world.

Meet Elliott Yamin

Elliott Yamin is an American singer-songwriter who rose to national fame as a Top 3 finalist on Season 5 of American Idol. Known for his soulful voice and heartfelt performances, he released a self-titled debut album that debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and featured the hit single “Wait for You.” Elliott moved to Richmond, Virginia at age 11 and attended Tuckahoe Middle School and Douglas S. Freeman High School. His music blends pop and R&B influences, inspired by legends like Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, and he continues to perform worldwide while using his platform to inspire others through his perseverance and passion for music.

Yamin continues to tour domestically and internationally, including three trips to Africa as a spokesman to the ‘Malaria no More Foundation,’ along with work supporting a variety of charities, relief groups and peace organizations.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 16, he has worked tirelessly as an activist and spokesman for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to help create awareness and raise money for research.

More Opening Ceremony Highlights

• Co-emcees: Erik Nelson +GeNienneSamuels 
• Singing the National Anthem: Elliot Yamin  
• Signing the National Anthem: Beau Dail  
• Athlete Speaker: Hannah Ellenbecker 
• Athlete Oath (English): Dave Pawlowski + Nathon Horton 
• Athlete Oath (Spanish): Gabby Delgado Castro 
• Coaches’ Oath: Floyd Byrd
• Carrying in the Torch: Renee Anderson + Sgt. Luke Dean with the Prince William Police Department
• Lighting the Cauldron: TylerBernreuther+ Michael Kochis, Chief of Police for the City of Charlottesville

Friday, June 5 | 7 PM | Robins Stadium, University of Richmond
For more details, visitspecialolympicsva.org/summer-games.
Sign up to Volunteer 2 Cheer from 6:45 to 9 pm by clicking here.