Tooele Special Olympic Athletes Headed to National Games

Four athletes from Tooele County selected to compete at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Special Olympics Utah has qualified 48 athletes to represent the state at the upcoming 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis. Among them are four athletes from Tooele County - Christina G. from Grantsville competing in track, and Mathew P. from Rush Valley, Grady M. from Tooele, and Ellie J. from Tooele competing in soccer.

Why it matters

The Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities, empowering them through the transformative power of sports. Having local athletes from Tooele County selected to compete at the national level showcases the strength of the local Special Olympics program and the dedication of these athletes.

The details

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will take place from June 20-26, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, featuring over 4,000 athletes competing in 19 sports. The local Tooele County Giants team is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and currently trains athletes for track, swim, and soccer competitions.

  • The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will take place from June 20-26, 2026.
  • The Tooele County Giants team is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

The players

Christina G.

An athlete from Grantsville, Utah competing in track at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

Mathew P.

An athlete from Rush Valley, Utah competing in soccer at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

Grady M.

An athlete from Tooele, Utah competing in soccer at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

Ellie J.

An athlete from Tooele, Utah competing in soccer at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

Tooele County Giants

The local Special Olympics team from Tooele County, Utah that is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

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What’s next

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will take place from June 20-26, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where the four Tooele County athletes will compete.

The takeaway

The Special Olympics provides transformative opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities, empowering them through sports. The selection of four local Tooele County athletes to compete at the national level is a testament to the strength of the local Special Olympics program and the dedication of these inspiring athletes.