Team New York Returns Home After Inspiring Week at 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
54 Medals Brought Home from Minnesota
Albany, NY – Team New York has returned home after an unforgettable week at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, where 82 athletes and Unified partners proudly represented New York on the national stage.
Held June 20-26, the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games brought together approximately 3,000 athletes and 1,500 coaches from all 50 states to compete in 16 Special Olympics team and individual sports. Hosted at the University of Minnesota and venues throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, the Games were supported by more than 10,000 volunteers and welcomed an estimated 75,000 fans in celebration of ability, inclusion, and community.
Throughout the week, Team New York athletes embraced every part of the USA Games experience, from competition and ceremonies to celebrating with teammates, families, and supporters. Their performances reflected the dedication that brought them to the national stage while highlighting the confidence, friendships, and sense of community that make Special Olympics so impactful.
Team New York returned home with 54 medals, more than half of them gold, capping off a week of outstanding performances across multiple sports and showcasing the strength of New York’s delegation on the national stage.
“The USA Games celebrate the incredible abilities of our athletes and the power of inclusion,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President and CEO of Special Olympics New York. “Team New York represented our state with tremendous pride throughout the week. While we’re thrilled to celebrate their success on the fields of play, we’re even more excited about the confidence they gained, the friendships they built, and the unforgettable memories they created. We couldn’t be more proud of everything they accomplished.”
Throughout the lead-up to and during the Games, Special Olympics NY shared the stories of Team New York’s athletes, coaches, and Unified teams. Learn more about their journeys below:
- Jacqueline Colone Goes for Gold at USA Games
- Jack Massaro Represents Team New York at USA Games
- After Conquering Sharks, a Confident Passero Heads to USA Games
- Coach Lori Jean Leads Team New York at USA Games
- Finger Lakes Aces Take on the USA Games
- City Hawks Take on the USA Games
- Wildcats Take on the USA Games
- A Whole New World for Unified Bocce Players
- Orange County Unified Bowlers Eager to Compete in USA Games
- Brooklyn’s Barrett Powers Into USA Games to Lift Others
- Nicholas Kenzie Swims Toward Gold at USA Games
- Central New York Officer Barry Banfield Selected to Carry Flame of Hope at 2026 USA Games
- USA Games Spotlight: Megan Brazell
- Western Region’s Kevin Anderson Prepares to Go for Gold at 2026 USA Games
Special Olympics New York extends its gratitude to the coaches, Unified partners, volunteers, families, and supporters whose encouragement helped make Team New York’s USA Games experience possible.
While the Games have come to an end, the impact of the experience will continue long after the final medal was awarded. Team New York athletes return home with new friendships, greater confidence, and memories that will last a lifetime as they continue training, competing, and inspiring their communities across New York.
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