Bound for Minnesota: Athletes Head to USA Games

About 200 athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and staff representing Special Olympics Florida were cheered on today (June 19) at Orlando International Airport as they departed for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Fans, coaches, volunteers, partners, and supporters gathered for a send-off honoring Team Florida members before they boarded flights to compete against almost 3,000 athletes from across the nation. A few Team Florida members flew on flights provided by Textron Aviation’s 2026 Special Olympics Airlift, which departed from Signature Aviation, the exclusive FBO sponsor for the USA Games. The athletes will participate in 16 sports during the USA Games, taking place June 20 to 26.

The send-off provided an unforgettable moment for Special Olympics Florida athletes as they prepare to compete on the national stage.

“We are incredibly proud of all the athletes headed to the USA Games,” said Special Olympics Florida President and CEO Meghan McLean. “Our athletes have worked for years to get to this point, and we know they’re going to show the world just how talented and accomplished they are.”

Team Florida's participation is the culmination of months of training, competing, and planning.