2026 USA Special Olympics Games

The Special Olympics USA Games is a premier, national sports competition that showcases the power and joy of sports at the highest levels.

The USA Games take place every four years with previous host cities being: Ames, Iowa (2006); Lincoln, Nebraska (2010); Lawrenceville, New Jersey (2014); Seattle, Washington (2018); Orlando, Florida (2022). The next Special Olympics USA Games will take place in 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Every four years, the Special Olympics USA Games provide an opportunity for athletes to compete at the national level in summer sports.

June 20-26th, 2026
Minneapolis, MN

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.

Meet Team New Hampshire

These are the athletes, Unified partners, and coaches who will proudly represent the Granite State at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis.

Each member of Team NH has earned their spot through hard work, commitment, and an unshakable belief in what’s possible. Together, they embody the spirit of our community—resilience, teamwork, courage, and joy.

Meet the Granite State athletes taking their talents to the national stage.

ATHLETICS

Coach Mike Salce
Jimmy Johnson
Thomas Cantara
Andrea Stoia
Sarah Peters

BOCCE

Coach Melissa Drew
Nate Webb
David Sylvester
Rachel Maxim
Tina Tellor

BOWLING

Coach Brittany Gifford
Darren Brown
Nick Paquin
Aamanda King
Bryanna Allison

GOLF

Coach Michelle Gross
Jeremy Howry & Jon Howry
Amanda Coviello & Steve Olsen

POWERLIFTING

Sharon Palermo
Jacob Constas  
Brett Clough  

SWIMMING

Jon Burdick
Emma Davis
Rose Kerrigan
Ryann Burns
Peyton Jones

TENNIS

Mike Elmer
Andres Tourgee
Lili Leonard-Heath

YOUTH LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Coach Daniel Gruber
Allyissia Dubberly
Scarlett Miller

LEADERSHIP & ADDITIONAL COACHES

Head of Delegation Kristi Beneat
Ast. Head of Delegation Amanda Chamberlain
Coach Eric Tinker
Coach Danee Dalphonse

USA Games Event Volunteering

Special Olympics New Hampshire does not play a part in organizing this event, only in preparing and bringing the Team New Hampshire delegation. For those interested in supporting these games as a volunteer or partner, you can visit the 2026 USA Games website at 2026 USA Games.

Shelby Cote

Director, Communications and Volunteers

ShelbyC@sonh.org
(603) 933-1093