Call Us: 505-856-0342
| Contact Us
WAYS TO DONATE
Menu

News Releases

2026 SO USA Games Lockups-05

30 Special Olympics New Mexico Athletes will compete in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games

,

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

Contact:
Becks Rainsberger
Marketing & Communications Manager
rainsberger@sonm.org
817-929-7786                                                                                                  

30 Special Olympics New Mexico Athletes Head to Minnesota for the
2026 Special Olympics USA Games, June 20–26

 

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:

https://sonm.org/about/nm-2026-so-usa-games/

Here are some words from Team New Mexico athletes regarding what attending Special Olympics USA Games means to them:

“I’m looking forward to competing with the best athletes in the USA. When you play with the best you naturally get better, so attending the 2026 USA Games means my skill level will improve,” said Reed Gallinger, Team New Mexico basketball athlete.

“Attending USA Games means the world to me,” shared Desiree Hanson, Team New Mexico bocce athlete. “I am so excited to represent New Mexico and meet new people. I love to travel and Minneapolis sounds like an awesome place to go.”

Chris Dixon, Team New Mexico basketball athlete shared “It is such a big honor to get to represent my state, New Mexico, at USA Games. I hoped and prayed that someday I would get to go to USA Games, and I am beyond excited that I finally get to go!”

Media Opportunity: Help celebrate Team New Mexico athletes and delegation members at our ABQ Sunport airport send-off on Friday, June 19, beginning at 4:30 AM. This opportunity will be short, from approximately 4:30 AM–5 AM. Interested media are welcome to meet our delegation in the Sunport Press Room on the second level. The room is located to the left of the escalators leading up to the TSA checkpoint. Media alert to follow.

 

Visit 2026specialolympicsusagames.org and follow @SpecialOlympicsUSAGames on social media for the latest 2026 Special Olympics USA Games updates.

 

About Special Olympics USA Games

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games – scheduled for June 20–26, 2026, across Minnesota’s Twin Cities with sports competitions at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine – is a national celebration of inclusivity, changing perceptions and the ability of the human spirit rising above limitations. The USA Games, with co-presenting partners Jersey Mike’s Subs and United Healthcare, will be one of the biggest U.S. sporting events of the year, drawing tens of thousands of fans to celebrate the ability of over 3,000 incredible athletes from all 50 states as they compete in 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports. As a state with a long history of championing inclusion, the USA Games now bring an unrivaled opportunity to Minnesota to spark new energy around the Special Olympics movement and create a lasting legacy of positive 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

Cathy Carnes for web

LCSO Deputy Cathy Carnes will Represent NM in the LETR for Special Olympics Final Leg June 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact:

Barbara Love, NMLETR Liaison

barbara@sonm.org

505-263-5986

 

 

Deputy Cathy Carnes will represent New Mexico in the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Final Leg on the road to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games

 

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.

“Being chosen to represent New Mexico and Special Olympics athletes by running in the Final Leg for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games is a huge honor and privilege for me,” Carnes shared. “When I first started participating in Special Olympics, I would watch the videos of all those who participated in the Final Leg and thought to myself: what an honor. It was a dream of mine to carry the Flame of Hope torch at a national or international Final Leg.”

Along the way, the Flame of Hope will be carried through 13 states, across all time zones, and will cover approximately 10,000 miles. The Torch Run will feature a national team of 73 participants, including 53 law enforcement officers and six Special Olympics athletes.

The LETR Final Leg will culminate on June 20, 2026, at Huntington Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus, where the Flame of Hope will ignite the cauldron and officially open the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

Supporters can follow the Flame of Hope’s journey in real-time through an interactive route tracker with local ceremony details available at 2026specialolympicsusagames.org and follow @2026USAGames on social media for the latest updates. Community members, organizations, and fans can also join the movement by signing up to volunteer for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, and staying connected as the countdown continues.

About Special Olympics USA Games

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, scheduled for June 20–26, 2026, across Minnesota’s Twin Cities with sports competitions at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine, is a national celebration of inclusivity, changing perceptions and the ability of the human spirit rising above limitations. The USA Games, with co-presenting partners Jersey Mike’s Subs and UnitedHealthcare, will be one of the biggest U.S. sporting events of the year, drawing tens of thousands of fans to celebrate the ability of nearly 3,000 incredible athletes from all 50 states as they compete in 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports. As a state with a long history of championing inclusion, the USA Games bring an unrivaled opportunity to Minnesota to spark new energy around the Special Olympics movement and create a lasting legacy of positive change.

 

About the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is the largest public awareness and grassroots fundraising movement for Special Olympics, engaging law enforcement worldwide to champion acceptance and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

About Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Mexico:

The New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run is a community policing and fundraising program for Special Olympics that promotes and empowers New Mexico law enforcement agencies to raise awareness and funds year-round for Special Olympics New Mexico, while providing opportunities, encouragement, and hope to SONM athletes and families in the process. In New Mexico, LETR is proudly sponsored by the following community partners: Latitudes, Bernalillo County, N2MIS (Los Alamos), Zona Rosa, Pojoaque Pueblo Tribal Police Department, New Mexico True, Chili’s, Chavez Grieves Consulting, Advance Auto Parts, Brycon Construction, Albuquerque Dukes Store, and Old Town Catering.

For more information about the New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics visit www.sonm.org or call 505.856.0342.

###

2026 State Summer Games tshirt art resized

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

State Summer Games Venue Map

 

*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

LETR_State_Relay_6for web

New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run 2026 State Relay Run

,

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Barbara Love, NMLETR Liaison

barbara@sonm.org

505-263-5986

 

New Mexico Law Enforcement agencies begin the 1,600 mile State Relay Run for Special Olympics New Mexico

 

NEW MEXICO, May 18: The New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run (NMLETR) for Special Olympics State Relay Run kicks off today and will continue throughout the state until the Final Leg on Friday, May 29 in Albuquerque. During the annual State Relay Run, hundreds of law enforcement and public safety personnel from a variety of municipal, county, fire rescue, tribal, state, and federal agencies will carry the Flame of Hope Torch throughout New Mexico while raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics New Mexico.

Known as the “Guardians of the Flame of Hope,” these statewide public safety officers, joined by friends and family members, will travel a combined 1,600 miles by foot and bicycle across New Mexico’s roads and highways, bringing the Flame of Hope torch to the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Special Olympics New Mexico State Summer Games in Albuquerque on Friday, May 29.

“Law enforcement agencies across our state gather proudly to carry the Flame of Hope torch, to raise awareness about the needs and incredible abilities of our Special Olympics athletes,” said LETR State Director retired Sgt. Travis Spruell of the Farmington Police Department. “This is one of the most honorable services for our law enforcement community and we cannot wait to help kick off the Summer Games.”

The State Relay Run starts on May 18 from the four corners of the state: Farmington, Taos, Carlsbad, and Las Cruces. The torch is handed off from one local law enforcement agency to the next as it makes its journey to Albuquerque.

State Relay Run Leg Routes and Dates:

View State Relay Run Routes: https://sonm.org/letr-resources/state-relay-run-info/

  • May 18–29: The Southwestern torch is carried from Las Cruces to Albuquerque
  • May 18–29: The Southeastern torch is carried from Carlsbad & Lovington (through Moriarty) to Albuquerque
  • May 26–29: The Northwestern torch is carried from Farmington (through Gallup) to Albuquerque
  • May 18–29: The Northeastern torch is carried from Taos to Albuquerque
  • May 29: The Final Leg torch is carried into the 2026 Special Olympics New Mexico State Summer Games located at the UNM Track & Field and Soccer Complex in Albuquerque 

 

About Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Mexico:

The New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run is a community policing and fundraising program for Special Olympics that promotes and empowers New Mexico law enforcement agencies to raise awareness and funds year-round for Special Olympics New Mexico, while providing opportunities, encouragement, and hope to SONM athletes and families in the process. In New Mexico, LETR is proudly sponsored by the following community partners: Latitudes, Bernalillo County, N2MIS (Los Alamos), Zona Rosa, Pojoaque Pueblo Tribal Police Department, New Mexico True, Chili’s, Chavez Grieves Consulting, Advance Auto Parts, Brycon Construction, Albuquerque Dukes Store, and Old Town Catering.

For more information about the New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics visit www.sonm.orgor call 505.856.0342.

###

Ben Bella JMTR news for web

Special Olympics New Mexico Athletes Run in the Jemez Mountain Trail Runs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Becks Rainsberger
rainsberger@sonm.org
817-929-7786

 

Two Special Olympics New Mexico Athletes Finish the 2026 Jemez Mountain Trail Runs
Ben Blewett completes the 50K and Bella Sieberg completes the 15-mile

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. – May 13, 2026: This past weekend two Special Olympics New Mexico athletes earned a place among some of the toughest trail runners in the Southwest at the Jemez Mountain Trail Runs (JMTR) in Los Alamos.

Special Olympics athlete Ben Blewett completed the 50k (31-mile) course in approximately 10 hours, while Bella Sieberg crossed the finish line of the 15-mile distance in approximately 4 hours and 38 minutes. Both proudly represented Special Olympics New Mexico on one of the most demanding trail courses in the country. Additionally, these athletes will be representing New Mexico at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, June 20–26 in Minnesota. They will compete in athletics (track & field). These athletes are redefining what’s possible as they pursue ambitious goals.

The Jemez Mountain Trail Runs feature technical single-track, steep climbs and descents, and high-altitude terrain ranging from 7,000 feet to over 10,000 feet through the Jemez mountains and along the rim of the Valles Caldera.

“Ben and Bella showed what’s possible when heart meets the mountain,” said Adam Trubow, Special Olympics New Mexico board member. “Their finishes are a powerful reminder that inclusion belongs everywhere, including on some of the hardest trails in the country.”

Special Olympics New Mexico extends sincere thanks to Jemez Mountain Trail Runs race directors Laura Martinez and Maria Musgrave, whose leadership and welcoming race day environment made it possible for Ben and Bella to compete alongside the broader ultrarunning community. Their support reflects the very best of the trail running spirit and helps advance inclusion in endurance sports.

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, French Funerals & Cremations, Sunny Bunny, Legacy Church, Mountain States Constructors, Inc., and Rudy’s “Country Store and Bar-B-Q”.

Learn more about Special Olympics New Mexico at sonm.org

About the Jemez Mountain Trail Runs

The Jemez Mountain Trail Runs (JMTR) are annual races held each May in Los Alamos, New Mexico. JMTR offers 50-mile, 50K, and 15-mile distances on rugged, high-altitude terrain. Learn more at jemezmountaintrailruns.org

###

Jersey Mike’s March 25 Day of Giving

 

Contact Kyle Potvin, kpotvin@splashllc.com, 917-838-4500, for graphics and to arrange interviews. View/download b–roll.

ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25: GRAB A SUB, HELP TEAM NEW MEXICO ATHLETES

12 New Mexico Jersey Mike’s Locations Will Donate 100% of Sales to Help Local Athletes
Attend the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games

WHAT: Hungry to help others? Visit any Jersey Mike’s Subs in New Mexico on Wednesday, March 25 and
100 percent of your purchase, whether in-store, online or through the app, will support the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, helping 30 Team New Mexico athletes attend the event in locations across Minnesota’s Twin Cities, June 20-26, 2026.

On March 25, the 12 Jersey Mike’s New Mexico locations will donate every single dollar in sales (not just profit) to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and the state programs attending the event. This year, Jersey Mike’s restaurants nationwide will support Special Olympics athletes throughout the country.

Jersey Mike’s locations nationwide give 100% of ALL sales on Day of Giving as part of the company’s annual Month of Giving campaign in March. Every four years, Jersey Mike’s partners with the Special Olympics USA Games during Month of Giving.

WHO: Throughout the month, customers have been rounding up and making donations at more than 3,200 Jersey Mike’s locations nationwide as part of the 16th Annual “Month of Giving” fundraising campaign.

WHERE: For a list of participating restaurants in your area, visit our location listing by state.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 — All day!

WHY: Buy lunch, dinner or a catered meal and we’ll pay it all forward.

  • Special Olympics USA Games and Jersey Mike’s believe the passion for being great has no boundaries.
  • Nationwide Jersey Mike’s hopes to raise enough money to help every qualifying athlete across the country attend the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

FAST FACTS

  • Every four years, nearly 3,000 athletes from all 50 states unite to compete in one of the most beloved and inspiring sporting events in the US – the Special Olympics USA Games.
  • Athletes compete in 16 sports including athletics, gymnastics, swimming, and basketball, with pickleball and cornhole making their debut.
  • Team New Mexico athletes will compete in athletics, bowling, bocce, and basketball.
  • During this year’s Month of Giving in March, Jersey Mike’s hopes to surpass last year’s record-breaking $30 million fundraising total.
  • Day of Giving is Jersey Mike’s busiest day of the year, with some crews arriving at 4 a.m.!
  • Since 2011, Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving has raised more than $143 million for local charities.
  • This is a milestone year for Jersey Mike’s which started with one sub shop at the Jersey Shore in 1956 and is celebrating its 70th Anniversary.

 

Jersey Mike’s is committed to “Giving…making a difference in someone’s life.” For more information, please visit Jersey Mike’s website or follow Jersey Mike’s on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. Join the conversation at #JerseyMikesGives.

Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving March 2026

 

Contact Kyle Potvin, kpotvin@splashllc.com, 917-838-4500, for graphics or to arrange interviews. View/download b–roll.

GRAB A SUB: 

SEND TEAM NEW MEXICO ATHLETES TO THE 2026 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES

Jersey Mike’s 16th Annual “Month of Giving” Celebrates Special Olympics Athletes Nationwide

 

NEW MEXICO (Statewide), Feb. 26, 2026 – The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games is joining forces with 12 Jersey Mike’s Subs locations throughout New Mexico for the 16th Annual March “Month of Giving” campaign. During the month of March, customers will have the option to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar or make a donation when placing their order to help 30 local Team New Mexico athletes and the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

This year, the games will be held June 20-26, in locations across Minnesota’s Twin Cities, with the University of Minnesota as the official host venue. Nearly 3,000 athletes will compete in 16 sports including athletics, gymnastics, swimming and basketball, with pickleball and cornhole making their debut.

The Month of Giving campaign culminates with Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 25, when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants will give 100 percent of the day’s sales – not just profit – to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and the local state programs attending the USA Games. On “Day of Giving” every single dollar that comes in nationwide— whether in-store, online or through the app —will go to the cause. Day of Giving is Jersey Mike’s busiest day of the year, when some crews arrive as early as 4 a.m.

Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving traditionally supports more than 200 local charities nationwide. For the second time in the 16-year history of Month of Giving, Jersey Mike’s owners and operators throughout the country will support this single, important causededicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), a mission that transcends the boundaries of sport to address discrimination in all its forms.

Jersey Mike’s hopes to exceed last year’s record-breaking national fundraising total of $30 million.

Since Month of Giving began in 2011, Jersey Mike’s has raised more than $143 million for local charities.

For a list of restaurants in your area, please visit our charity listing by state.

About Jersey Mike’s 

Founded in 1956 as Mike’s Subs with one location in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, Jersey Mike’s has grown into a premier franchisor with more than 3,200 locations in the U.S. and Canada. The Company has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing fast-casual restaurant chains in America, ranking #1 on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500 and #6 on Yelp’s 2025 List of Fastest Growing Brands.

Giving back is also core to Jersey Mike’s mission, and the Company was recognized on Forbes’ Best Brands for Social Impact List in 2025. In March 2025, the Company completed its 15th Annual Month of Giving, raising a record breaking $30 million and surpassing more than $143 million given to over 200 local charities since it began the tradition in 2011, reinforcing its commitment to being a beloved brand in its communities. Jersey Mike’s has also been ranked as the #1 Best Sandwich Chain in America in 2025 by Eat This, Not That! For more information, please visit jerseymikes.com and follow us on Facebook,Instagram, TikTok and X.

About Special Olympics USA Games

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games—scheduled for June 20-26, 2026, across Minnesota’s Twin Cities with sports competitions at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine—is a national celebration of inclusivity, changing perceptions and the ability of the human spirit rising above limitations. The USA Games, with co-presenting partners Jersey Mike’s Subs and UnitedHealthcare, will be one of the biggest U.S. sporting events of the year, drawing tens of thousands of fans to celebrate the ability of 3,000+ incredible athletes from all 50 states as they compete in 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports. As a state with a long history of championing diversity, equity and inclusion, the USA Games now bring an unrivaled opportunity for Minnesotans to spark new energy around the Special Olympics movement and create a lasting legacy of positive change.

Randy for web

Randy Mascorella Retirement Announcement

,

SONM Area Directors, Local Coordinators, Heads of Delegations, Coaches, and Families:

The purpose of this letter is to share with you that I will be retiring at the end of June and want to thank you for everything you have done, are doing, and will continue to do on behalf of our athletes and the Special Olympics movement in New Mexico.

My 34 years as the Executive Director could not have been more meaningful or to be honest, more fun.  My being here was God’s choice, and even during the most challenging times over the years, I have thanked Him for bringing me not only to Special Olympics but to New Mexico.

For the work that has been done and the growth we have seen in the past three decades, equally meaningful to me has been the thousands of people I have gotten to know and work with.  Because our athletes tend to bring out the best in all of us, I have reaped the benefits of their ability to transform people through the joy of sport.

Leadership continuity has always been important to me.  Developing capable leaders on my staff, who are prepared to assume new roles, has served our organization well.  Special Olympics New Mexico has never been led by a single leader, but by capable staff who are aligned with our culture and rooted in our Core Values.  I am pleased to share with you that at the recommendation of the Special Olympics New Mexico Board of Directors Succession Committee, our Board of Directors has hired Christine Hidalgo as my replacement.

Over the past twenty-two years, as the Director of Development, Christine has worked closely with our Board of Directors, our donors, our Community Partners, Sponsors, and our athletes and families.  Her commitment to our athletes can be measured in the level of care and thoughtful consideration she has shown.  As hard as it is for me to imagine not doing this job any longer, I am confident that along with our staff, Christine will not only sustain our organizational success but lead SONM into the future with a vision that will ensure the best interest of our athletes and our organization.

For the friendship, kindness and support you have shown me, I will forever be grateful.  Special Olympics New Mexico has been my life’s work, and it has been a privilege to serve here.

 

Blessings to you,

Randy Mascorella

2025 100 Friends for 100 Miles Media Alert

,

MEDIA ALERT

 Media Contacts:

 

Local Ultrarunner Hits the Trail to Raise $100,000 for Special Olympics New Mexico

What: Local ultrarunner Adam Trubow will take on the grueling Leadville Trail 100 Run on August 16 as part of his fundraising campaign, 100 Friends for 100 Miles, to benefit Special Olympics New Mexico. The goal: raise $100,000 to fully fund sending Team New Mexico to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. Supporters can donate at 100friends100miles.com.

Who:

  • Adam Trubow, local ultrarunner and campaign founder
  • Special Olympics athletes Tim Harris, Ben Blewett and Bella Sieberg will also travel to Leadville to pace run alongside Adam during sections of the 100-mile race.
  • Benefitting Team New Mexico: 47 people including 30 Special Olympics athletes and additional Special Olympics New Mexico staff and coaches.

When and Where:

  • Saturday, August 16 at 4:00 a.m. – Race start
  • Sunday, August 17 at 10:00 a.m. – Race cut-off
  • Available for interviews now through Wednesday, August 13
  • The Leadville Trail 100 Run starts and finishes in Leadville, Colorado, with runners covering 100 miles of alpine terrain.

Why: The funds raised during the 100 Friends for 100 Miles campaign will directly support sending Team New Mexico to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Funds raised will cover costs including travel, meals, housing, and uniforms.

 

About the Leadville Trail 100 Run: https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/run/leadvilletrail100run/

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).
Today, Special Olympics New Mexico serves more than 3,200 athletes statewide, offering training and competition in 11 sports. Learn more at sonm.org

2025 100 Friends Fundraiser Adam Trubow and Tim Harris

2025 100 Friends for 100 Miles

,

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
To arrange interviews, please contact Becks Rainsberger at rainsberger@sonm.org
or contact Adam Trubow at adam@talrealty.com 505-440-0454

New Mexico Man Runs 100 Miles to send 30 Athletes to 2026 Special Olympics USA Games

Local ultramarathon runner hits the trail to raise $100,000 for Special Olympics New Mexico
Albuquerque: July 16, 2025 – On August 16, New Mexico ultrarunner Adam Trubow will take on the grueling Leadville Trail 100 to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics New Mexico—joined by Special Olympics athletes along the way. Trubow is challenging New Mexicans to “become a friend” and support Special Olympics New Mexico through the campaign, 100 Friends for 100 Miles. Across the 2025 and 2026 campaigns, Trubow aims to raise $100,000—enough to fully fund Special Olympics New Mexico’s trip to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. The 2025 campaign will end after the Leadville Trail 100 Run on August 16. Visit 100friends100miles.com to learn more.
“It’s an honor to support these incredible athletes on their journey to Minnesota,” said Trubow. “Your support helps them compete at the national level—and create moments they’ll never forget. Let’s rally behind Team New Mexico together.”
This campaign will directly support Team New Mexico. Team New Mexico is a delegation of 47 people, including the 30 athletes who will compete at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Funds raised will be used to help absorb the cost of athlete, coach, and staff uniforms, travel, meals, and accommodations. Donations are open now through August 17 at 100friends100miles.com. Every mile matters—every dollar gets them closer to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
About the Leadville Trail 100 Run: The Leadville Trail 100 Run is a harsh out-and-back ultramarathon that pushes runners to their limits as they run 100 miles through Colorado alpine wilderness, accumulating 18,000 feet of elevation gain throughout the race. The race begins at 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 16 with a 30 hour race cut off at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 17.
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 3,200 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, French Funerals & Cremations, Legacy Church, Rudy’s “Country Store and Bar-B-Q”, and BlueCross BlueShield of New Mexico. Learn more about Special Olympics New Mexico at sonm.org

Load More

Sponsors

Secret Link