Special Olympics Connecticut is sending 59 members to represent our great state at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Minnesota, hosted in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, June 20-26, 2026. Thirty-nine athletes and Unified Sports® partners will compete in five sports and the Youth Leadership Experience, fully supported by 20 coaches and staff. Team CT will represent 35 towns and cities from across Connecticut.
Click the buttons below for more info on Team CT including fast facts and full press release. Learn more about the delegation and how to support their journey to 2026 USA Games by clicking the sport icon circles below.
Support Team CT!
Our team has a goal of raising $30,000+ to fuel the journey to 2026 USA Games. Help us make this the experience of a lifetime for all 59 members of our team by donating to their GoFundMe today!
Captain Matthew Butkiewicz Named Final Leg Runner
Congratulations to Capt. Matthew Butkiewicz from New Britain Police Department on his selection as the Connecticut Torch Runner for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® Final Leg for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota!
He will join 50+ dedicated law enforcement officers and athletes from across the country, lighting the torch at the Eternal Flame of Hope in Chicago, IL and splitting the run between an east coast and west coast route. The run culminates during June 20th's Opening Ceremony, lighting the cauldron to officially start the USA Games.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR), initiated in 1981 by Wichita Police Chief Richard LaMunyon, has grown into a worldwide movement, driven by the collective efforts of law enforcement volunteers. Known as Guardians of the Flame, these dedicated individuals join hands with Special Olympics athletes to champion the cause of acceptance and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Members of LETR also carry the Flame of Hope into Special Olympics events at various levels - local, state, national, and international. This symbolic gesture is more than just a tradition; it represents the unwavering spirit of solidarity and support for Special Olympics programs.
*Pictured with Ray Hadden, who is attending 2026 USA Games as an athlete coach for the bowling team
Jersey Mike's Month of Giving
Buy a Sub and Support SOCT
Throughout March 2026, Jersey Mike's Month of Giving invited customers to round up their change or donate in-store, online, or on the app to support Special Olympics. 100% of proceeds will fund local programs and the 2026 USA Games, empowering athletes through sports, health, and leadership initiatives. On March 25, Jersey Mike's Day of Giving, 100% of all sales were donated to Special Olympics.
2026 USA Games Co-Presenting Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors of Team CT
Gold Sponsors of Team CT
Silver Sponsor of Team CT
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Year-Round Partner Sponsors of SOCT
