Special Olympics USA Games kicks off in Minneapolis with Demi Lovato, Jon Batiste and thousands of fans
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Thousands of people descended on Minneapolis from across the country Saturday evening for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games opening ceremony.
The event kicked off a week of competition running through Friday, June 26. Nearly 3,000 athletes from across the country are competing in 16 Olympic-style sports.
A rainbow of bright colors dotted Huntington Bank Stadium, with many groups of supporters in custom shirts representing their state’s team and competing family members.
Despite the fierce fan loyalty, attendees — and organizers — said inclusion is at the heart of the Special Olympics.
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“Everybody’s cheering for everybody. It's all about community,” said Denise Gangl of Lakeville.
Gangl came to support her son Brandon, a bocce player who has competed in the Special Olympics for over 20 years, and her husband who coaches, with a crew of other Minnesota fans in maroon.
The ceremony included performances by Demi Lovato and Jon Batiste, who was joined by the Twin Cities-based Sounds of Blackness.
Gov. Tim Walz and his family and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey walked onto the stadium floor with Team Minnesota.
Athletes later completed the last handoffs of the Flame of Hope — which athletes and law enforcement officers carried over 10,000 miles in about three weeks — to light a cauldron, marking the official start of the Special Olympics.
Along with competition, the week's events include a youth athlete festival and fan engagement opportunities. The closing ceremony Friday evening is free to the public.
Most sporting events will take place at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, with others in Blaine.
