News
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News Releases and Official Statements
Special Olympics New Mexico Announces Christine Roybal Hidalgo as CEO
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. July 1, 2026 — Special Olympics New Mexico is proud to announce the appointment of Christine Roybal Hidalgo as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2026.
Christine is a native New Mexican and has lived in Albuquerque her whole life. Born into a family that loves sports, she has lived and breathed sports as an athlete, coach, and spectator over the years. Christine has served as the Director of Development at Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM) for 25 years. In her role as Director of Development, she oversaw SONM’s financial growth. In this role, Christine was responsible for planning, implementing and managing all fundraising activities, along with leading the development of Special Olympics New Mexico’s sustainable fundraising program.
“We are excited to welcome Christine into her new role as CEO of Special Olympics New Mexico,” said Dub Girand, Chairman of the Special Olympics New Mexico Board of Directors. “Her vast experience and giant heart for the Special Olympics movement position us to grow and deepen our impact serving people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in our state. The Special Olympics New Mexico Board of Directors is confident in Christine’s ability to lead our staff and engage our community as we work together to transform lives through sport.”
30 Special Olympics New Mexico Athletes will compete at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, June 11, 2026: In just over a week, more than 3,000 athletes from across the country will come together to compete at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, taking place June 20–26, 2026, in Minnesota. This national celebration of sport and inclusion will unite athletes, coaches, families and fans from all 50 states. Special Olympics New Mexico is proud to share that it will send a 49-member delegation, including 30 Special Olympics athletes, to represent New Mexico at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Team New Mexico is comprised of 30 athletes, 7 coaches, 1 Adult Athlete Leader, 2 Unified Champion Schools® students, and 9 staff. The delegation will compete in 4 of the 16 Olympic-type sports offered at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, including athletics (track & field), basketball, bocce and bowling.
Note: Learn more and view the full delegation roster for Special Olympics New Mexico our website:
LCSO Deputy Cathy Carnes will Represent NM in the LETR for Special Olympics Final Leg June 2026
NEW MEXICO, May 26, 2026: Special Olympics New Mexico is proud to announce that Lea County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Cathy Carnes is one of 53 officers selected to carry the Flame of Hope torch during the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) Final Leg for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. The LETR Final Leg, sponsored by Jersey Mike’s Subs, kicks off on Friday, May 29. This historic, coast-to-coast journey unites law enforcement and athletes as they head toward Minnesota, where approximately 3,000 competitors, including 30 Special Olympics athletes from New Mexico, will participate in 16 Olympic-style sports from June 20-26, 2026.
The LETR Final Leg serves as the ultimate countdown to the USA Games, spanning May 29–June 20, 2026. The Flame of Hope will be carried from Chicago, the birthplace of Special Olympics, and travel along two parallel routes across the East Coast and West/Central regions, before converging in Minnesota.
Among those carrying the torch is a local law enforcement officer selected to represent New Mexico in this iconic LETR Final Leg. This opportunity is awarded to a limited number of athletes and law enforcement officials, nominated by their local Programs for their profound dedication to Special Olympics and leadership within the LETR movement. Deputy Carnes was nominated for her ongoing dedication and passion to Special Olympics New Mexico athletes both in her community and across the state. Her support included awarding medals at local Area and State Competitions, as well as organizing and leading numerous fundraisers that raised over $60,000 for Special Olympics in 2025.