Among those 4,000 athletes and coaches will be Team Iowa.
The USA Games kick off with the spectacle of the Opening Ceremony at Husky Stadium on July 1, 2018 and will offer 14 Olympic-type sports: athletics (track and field), basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, golf, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, softball, stand up paddle boarding, swimming, tennis and volleyball.
Competitions will be held at venues across the Seattle area including the University of Washington, Celebration Park, Kenmore Lanes, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center and Willows Run Golf Club.
In addition to athletic competitions, the 2018 USA Games will feature music, entertainment and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Events open to the public include:
- Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR; June 28-July 1, 2018): Law enforcement representatives from throughout the nation will carry the Special Olympics Flame of Hope across Washington state.
- Opening Ceremony(July 1, 2018): Witness the Parade of Athletes, plus entertainment and the lighting of the Special Olympics Cauldron to open the Games.
- Fan Zone (July 1-5, 2018): Featuring live music, exhibits and activities to entertain athletes and spectators. Location: Husky Stadium Plaza.
- Young Athletes Festival (July 2-5, 2018): A celebration of sports, activities and inclusion for athletes with and without intellectual disabilities aged 2 to 7. Locations: Seattle Center, Celebration Park and University of Washington.
- Unified Sports Experience (July 2-5, 2018): Exhibition games featuring celebrity USA Games Ambassadors as well as athletes with and without intellectual disabilities will demonstrate how sports can promote inclusion. Location: University of Washington.
- Closing Ceremony (July 6, 2018): The finale and celebration of the 2018 USA Games. Location: South Lake Union Park.
About the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games
The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will be held in Seattle, Washington July 1-6, 2018. More than 4,000 athletes and coaches representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, along with the support of tens of thousands of volunteers and spectators, will compete in 14 Olympic-type team and individual sports. The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will celebrate the Special Olympics movement and its 50th anniversary; promote the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport; and showcase athletes from throughout the U.S. and the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. The 2018 USA Games will also highlight Special Olympics’ work in sport, education, health and community-building.
Follow Team Iowa’s Journey
Keep up with what the athletes from Team Iowa are up to by following our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and checking back with our website periodically to see updated scores and results at the end of each day of competition.
Read Meet Team Iowa column
USA Games Event Schedule