Every four years, Special Olympics holds a national competition for Special Olympics athletes across the United States. The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will be held June 20-26, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
In advance of each USA Games, Special Olympics North Carolina athletes, Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities who train and compete alongside Special Olympics athletes) and coaches are selected to comprise the Special Olympics North Carolina delegation.
Special Olympics North Carolina uses the advancement criteria set forth by Special Olympics, Inc. to select the athletes who are a part of Team SONC. Gold medal winners from all ability level divisions will be put into a random drawing in order to be selected for participation in the Games.