2026 State Summer Games
Media Alert
Media Contact:
Becks Rainsberger
817-929-7786
rainsberger@sonm.org
May 29–31: Special Olympics New Mexico will host the 2026 State Summer Games in Albuquerque
What: ALBUQUERQUE, Friday, May 29–Sunday, May 31: Approximately 1,375 Special Olympics New Mexico athletes and Unified partners will compete in the 2026 State Summer Games, presented by Chick-fil-A. Special Olympics athletes will compete in athletics (track & field events), bocce, Unified flag football, Unified volleyball, and skill events throughout the competition weekend. Unified sports partner people with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) to compete together in team-based sports.
“In the world of Special Olympics, whether you are enormously gifted or significantly challenged, each athlete who trains and competes has the desire to achieve. At this year’s State Summer Games, not only will over 1,300 Special Olympics athletes and their Unified partners from around New Mexico demonstrate the desire to find their best selves, but in doing so, all who watch them will be reminded of the simple beauty of the joy and celebration of sport,” said Randy Mascorella, Executive Director, Special Olympics New Mexico. “With each competition opportunity, their lives are changed, as are the attitudes of all of us who watch them.”
Who: The 2026 State Summer Games will bring together approximately 1,375 Special Olympics participants including 800+ Special Olympics athletes and 300+ Unified partners from 38 delegations across New Mexico.
When: Friday, May 29–Sunday, May 31, 2026
Where: Friday and Saturday events will be held at the UNM Track & Field and Soccer Complex. On Sunday the volleyball competition will be held at The Fieldhouse.
Downloadable Schedules & Venue Map:
State Summer Games Master Schedule
State Summer Games Sport Schedule
*Interested media, please check in at Nerve Center (see venue map). We will give at least 1 person in your party a press pass, and can connect you with Ms. Randy Mascorella, our Executive Director, for interviews. Interviews can be held Friday morning or Saturday. Friday night at Opening Ceremony is great for capturing footage but not for interviews.
State Summer Games Schedule Overview:
Friday, May 29
Location: UNM Track & Soccer Complex. Address: 1800 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE
- Track & field events: 10 AM–3 PM
- Friday interviews preferred between 10 AM–2 PM
- Opening Ceremony: 6:30 PM–8 PM
- Our Opening Ceremony will feature a parade of athletes, the Law Enforcement Torch Run State Relay Run “Final Leg” and lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron.
Saturday, May 30
Location: UNM Track & Soccer Complex. Address: 1800 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE
- Track & field events: 8 AM–4 PM
- Bocce: 8:00 AM–1:30 PM
- Unified flag football: 9 AM–3 PM
- Olympic Village will be open from 11 AM–2 PM, featuring Special Olympics souvenirs and fun activities for Special Olympics athletes and their families.
- Saturday is a great day for interviews with Ms. Randy Mascorella and any available athletes!
Sunday, May 31
Location: The Fieldhouse. Address: 4101 Paseo Del Norte NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113
- Unified volleyball: 8 AM–5:00 PM
*End time for all State Summer Games events is estimated. Times are subject to change.
About Special Olympics New Mexico:
Special Olympics New Mexico provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. Today, Special Olympics New Mexico serves more than 3,700 athletes, offering training and competition in 11 sports. Special Olympics New Mexico is sponsored year-round and statewide by New Mexico True, Law Enforcement Torch Run, Chick-fil-A, Mountain States Constructors, Inc., French Funerals & Cremations, Legacy Church, Sunny Bunny, and Rudy’s “Country Store and Bar-B-Q”.
Learn more about Special Olympics New Mexico at: sonm.org
