“I’ll remember the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games forever!” says incoming Bethel student Nick Staloch.
Competing as a forward on Minnesota’s Intercollegiate Unified Basketball Team, Staloch met athletes from across the country, played before cheering crowds, DJed two official Games events, and celebrated alongside family and new friends.
“The Opening Ceremonies were so much fun. I had the best seat in the stadium—first row on the aisle,” says Nick. “It was amazing! Everybody was so excited.”
Those moments were shared by nearly 3,000 athletes who gathered June 20-25 for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Hosted at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine, the Games welcomed competitors from all 50 states for six days of competition.
Among Team Minnesota were several members of the Bethel community: Mikayla Holmgren BUILD’18 (track and field); Tyler Sarff BUILD’19 (softball); Amelie Wall BUILD ’22 (swimming); Lucy Haugland BUILD’22 (track and field); Nick Staloch BUILD’28 (basketball); and Jenna Perkins BUILD’25 (honorary co-chair). Their experiences reflected both athletic achievement and lives shaped by Bethel’s BUILD program, a two-year residential Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program for students with intellectual disabilities.
“We are so proud of each of our alumni, and one of our incoming students, who represented Minnesota in the Special Olympics USA Games,” says Dawn Allen, director of Bethel’s BUILD program. “Each of these athletes knows they are deeply valued and made in the image of God, uniquely equipped with their own gifts, talents, and impressive athletic skills.”
On the national stage
Jenna Perkins BUILD’25 helped set the tone for the entire week. Serving as an honorary co-chair for the Games, Jenna welcomed athletes from across the country while championing the message she hopes every participant and spectator will remember: “To include everyone and that we can all be champions.”
The role was especially meaningful for Jenna, who has competed in the Special Olympics for more than 10 years in multiple sports, including basketball, soccer, flag football, bocce, track and field, and snowshoeing.