- 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
Special Olympics Washington Quota for the 2026 USA Games
BOWLING |
Qualifying Season Dates: July 29 – November 3, 2024
Sports / Events Offered:
Application Opens: November 4 – November 29, 2024 Application Interviews Complete: December 6, 2024 Selection of Nominees: Date TBD
|
BASKETBALL |
Qualifying Season Dates: November 18 – March 2, 2025 
Sports / Events Offered:
Application Opens: March 3 – March 28, 2025 Application Review and Interviews: April 4, 2025 Selection of Nominees: Date TBD |
ATHLETICS, BOCCE, GOLF, SWIMMING, SOCCER |
| Qualifying Season Dates: March 17 – June 22, 2025
Sports / Events Offered:
Application Opens: June 23, 2025 – July 18, 2025 Application Interviews Complete: July 25, 2025 Selection of Nominees: Date TBD |
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.
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/