Team New Hampshire Set to Compete at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
August 6th, 2025 — Special Olympics New Hampshire is proud to announce that Team New Hampshire will represent the Granite State at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, held June 20–26, 2026 in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area.
The USA Games will bring together more than 3,000 athletes and 1,500 coaches from all 50 states to compete in 16 Olympic-style sports. Events will be hosted at world-class venues including the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine.
Team New Hampshire will be among the athletes, coaches, and Unified partners making their mark on the national stage—demonstrating what’s possible when opportunity meets determination.
“This is a life-changing experience for our athletes,” said Shelby Cote, Director of Communications and Volunteers for Special Olympics New Hampshire. “Team NH will bring pride, passion, and the power of inclusion to Minnesota.”
Meet Team New Hampshire
Participating in 7 Sports + Youth Leadership
Athletics
Jimmy Johnson (Gilmanton)
Thomas Cantara (Nashua)
Andrea Stoia (Meredith)
Sarah Peters (Claremont)
Coach: Mike Salce (Keene)
Bocce
Nate Webb (Concord)
David Sylvester (New Castle)
Rachel Maxim (Charlestown)
Tina Tellor (Claremont)
Coach: Melissa Drew (Tilton)
Bowling
Darren Brown (Gilford)
Nick Paquin (Manchester)
Amanda King (Bethlehem)
Bryanna Allison (Swanzey)
Coach: Brittany Gifford (Goffstown)
Golf (Unified)
Jeremy & Jon Howry (Berlin)
Amanda Coviello (Allenstown) & Steve Olson (Goffstown)
Coach: Michelle Gross (Jefferson)
Powerlifting
Jacob Constas (Dover)
Brett Clough (Quechee)
Coach: Sharon Palermo (Mancheser)
Swimming
Emma Davis (Brattleboro)
Rose Kerrigan (White River Jct)
Ryann Burns (Salem)
Peyton Jones (Claremont)
Coach: Jonathan Burdick (Claremont)
Tennis
Andres Tourgee (Peterborough)
Lili Leonard-Heath (White River Jct)
Coach: Mike Elmer (Andover)
Team New Hampshire Leadership
Kristi Beneat – Head of Delegation (Charlestown)
Amanda Chamberlain – Assistant Head of Delegation (Charlestown)
Additional Coaches
Eric Tinker (Center Harbor), Toby Burgess (Manchester), Danee Dalphonse (Thornton)
Youth Leadership Experience (Keene High School)
Allyissia Dubberly (Keene)
Scarlett Miller (Keene)
Kathryn Bauer (Keene)
About Special Olympics New Hampshire
Special Olympics New Hampshire provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities—empowering them to experience joy, build fitness, and develop friendships through sport.
About the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
Held every four years, the USA Games are a premier national event showcasing the abilities and achievements of athletes with intellectual disabilities. The 2026 Games will be the most inclusive to date, offering 16 sports and welcoming thousands of athletes, families, and fans.
To learn more about Team New Hampshire’s journey, contact Shelby Cote at ShelbyC@sonh.org and to explore sponsorship opportunities, contact Mary Conroy at MaryC@sonh.org.
Let’s rally behind Team NH and show the nation what the Granite State is made of.
#TeamNH2026 #SpecialOlympicsNH #GraniteStateProud #RoadtoMinneapolis2026