Special Olympics USA Games | Minnesota 2026

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will bring together 4,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and 75,000 fans from all 50 states. Through the power of sports and inclusion, the Special Olympics USA Games will spark a change that transforms lives, communities and the world.

 

Check out the Special Olympics USA Games Website: 2026 Special Olympics USA Games 

Continue reading for 2025 Spring Games Qualifying Information and Application


2025 SPRING GAMES  |  APPLICATION & TIMELINE

Applications must be submitted by June 27, 2025.

Random Draw to take place on Wednesday July 2, 2025

Interviews for selected participants will be July 7 – July 11, 2025

Athletes will have only until Tuesday July 29, 2025 to submit required paperwork.

Click here to Apply: 2026 USA Games Application


QUALIFICATION CRITERIA 

Applicants must have received a gold medal in one or more events in one of the following sports between Fall Season 2024, Winter Games 2025, and Spring Games 2025: Bowling, Interscholastic Basketball, Athletics, Interscholastic Athletics, Bocce, Golf, Swimming, Soccer. 

Applicants must be 16 years of age by the time of the Opening Ceremony, June 20, 2026. Variances will be made for High School Interscholastic events. 

This year there are specific performance standards. Continue reading for information on performance standards:

Swimming: Two (2) Female Swimming Athletes, Two (2) Male Swimming Athletes

Athletics: Two (2) Male Athletics Athletes, Two (2) Female Athletics Athletes

Bocce: One (1) Male Bocce Athlete, One (1) Female Bocce Athlete

  • QUALIFYING EVENTS: Singles, Doubles, Team

Soccer: One (1) 5v5 Mixed Traditional Soccer Team

  • QUALIFYING EVENTS: (Traditional 5v5) Minimum Roster 8, Maximum 10
  • PERFORMANCE STANDARDS: Must receive a gold in Division 4 or Higher at the 2025 State Spring Games.

Golf: One (1) 9-Hole Individual Male Golf Athlete, One (1) 9-Hole Individual Female Golf Athlete

  • QUALIFYING EVENTS: 9-hole Individual.
  • PERFORMANCE STANDARD: Golfers must not exceed the maximum entry 9-hole average of ≤ 70.

 

ADVANCEMENT CRITERIA  |  SPECIAL OLYMPICS WASHINGTON 

Check out the Special Olympics Washington Website for more information on the selection process and how it works:  https://specialolympicswashington.org/selection-process/