The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games may have come to an end, but the memories, friendships, and accomplishments Team Washington created will last a lifetime.

After months of training, fundraising, and preparing for the biggest competition of the year, 44 incredible athletes represented Washington on the national stage in Minneapolis, competing alongside thousands of athletes from across the country. They gave it their all, supported one another, and showed the nation what determination, sportsmanship, and inclusion look like.

By the end of an unforgettable week, Team Washington returned home with an incredible 30 medals:

🥇 8 Gold
🥈 12 Silver
🥉 10 Bronze

From the track to the pool, the bowling lanes to the soccer field, golf course, basketball court, and bocce courts, our athletes competed with heart and pride in all seven sports represented by Team Washington.

But the USA Games are about so much more than medals.

Every athlete who wore “Washington” across their chest represented years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. They cheered for teammates, celebrated personal bests, formed new friendships with athletes from across the country, and created memories that will stay with them long after the Closing Ceremonies.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible coaches, Unified partners, families, volunteers, medical staff, delegation leaders, and supporters who stood beside Team Washington every step of the way. Your encouragement, commitment, and belief in our athletes helped make this journey possible.

To our athletes: thank you for inspiring all of us. You represented Washington with courage, determination, and joy, reminding everyone watching that greatness isn’t measured only by what’s hanging around your neck, but by the passion you bring to every moment.

Congratulations, Team Washington! We couldn’t be prouder of everything you accomplished.

The countdown to the next adventure starts now.