New York City Sending Powerful Delegation to USA Games in June

Strength and speed, determination, and confidence. All of these attributes play a significant role in the development of a Special Olympics champion.

Those traits will be on full display when the Special Olympics New York delegation heads to Minneapolis, Minnesota for the USA Games from June 20-26. All 50 states will be represented in Minnesota, where more than 3,000 athletes are expected to compete in 16 team and individual sports.

New York City will be well represented within the Special Olympics New York group, as two teams and an individual are set to compete in the prestigious event.

Unified Soccer: 721M City Hawks Team

It was four years ago that the 721M City Hawks team traveled to Florida and fulfilled its dreams by winning the 2022 USA Games unified soccer tournament.

“One of the biggest senses of pride I’ve had as a Special Olympics coach was at USA Games,” said Special Olympics NY coach Joe Stewart. “Our City Hawks Unified soccer team, Unified meaning we had Unified partners who are players without intellectual disabilities, and our Special Olympics athletes who are players with intellectual disabilities, represented team New York on the national stage in Orlando, Florida at Disney and we won the national championship.”

That team went on to compete in the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin as well. While some names and faces have changed, the 721M City Hawks will enter the 2026 USA Games in Minnesota with plenty of confidence and determination.

Basketball: Manhattan Wildcats

Momentum has been surging at the Wildcats’ practice gymnasium in Harlem for months. Not only are the Wildcats headed to Minnesota for the USA Games in June, but the program also recently got so big they formed a second team that is starting to compete in local competitions as well.

The Wildcats started the spring competition with two exciting and close games at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, showcasing a sharp 2-3 zone defense and an unselfish style of offense that should serve them well in the USA Games.

Powerlifting: Barrett An, Brooklyn

It has been a busy and active spring for Barrett An. In addition to attending college classes, Barrett, 20, has been working out regularly and preparing for the ultimate test in Minnesota. Barrett is expected to tune up for the regional games by competing in the Long Island Spring Games in Massapequa on May 2.

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