Special Olympics South Carolina celebrates USA Games team

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Special Olympics South Carolina celebrated its 2026 USA Games team Saturday in Columbia, honoring the 124-member delegation set to represent the Palmetto State in Minneapolis.

The event at the South Carolina football team’s indoor practice facility brought together athletes, families and supporters as Team South Carolina prepares for the national games.

The celebration served as the team’s final gathering before departure, providing athletes and families with information ahead of the trip. Attendees saw the official team uniform unveiling and met delegation members.

Special Olympics South Carolina President Barry Coats said the athletes have been working and training toward this goal for years as they prepare to compete in Minneapolis.

“Everybody loves a nice-looking uniform, and our staff put some nice stuff together, but they’re there to compete,” Coats said. “They’re true athletes. They’ve been working on this for years. They’re excited. They’re ready to get there and compete.”

The delegation is made up of athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and staff who will travel to Minnesota to compete and represent South Carolina on the national stage.

Team South Carolina will compete in 13 sports: track and field, basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, flag football, golf, gymnastics, pickleball, powerlifting, softball, swimming, and tennis.

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will take place June 20-26. Team South Carolina departs June 19 from Columbia Metropolitan Airport and returns to Columbia on June 27.