Special Olympics Virginia

06/07/2026

1,200+ athletes. Five sports. Two days. Richmond showed up. Check out some of our favorite highlights from the 2026 Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games.

06/07/2026

Thank you to our friends at WTVR CBS 6 News for covering the 2026 Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games this weekend.

GeNienne Samuels co-hosted Friday's Opening Ceremony at the University of Richmond alongside SOVA athlete Erik Nelson. That kind of on-the-ground presence means a lot to our athletes, and it's a reflection of what a real community partnership looks like.

More than 1,200 athletes gathered at the University of Richmond this weekend for the 2026 Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games.

06/06/2026

POV: Every rep, lap, and practice led here. 🏅

At the 2026 Summer Games, athletes gave it their all and left everything on the state stage. Medals earned. Memories made. Champions celebrated.

06/06/2026

Every face in these photos has a story. Athletes came to Richmond this weekend from all corners of Virginia to compete for gold. Behind every one of them is a family, a coach, a team, a community that got them here.

These are the 2026 Summer Games.

06/06/2026

Two days. Five sports. Athletes from across Virginia competing in Richmond in front of the people who matter most to them.

To our volunteers, partners, sponsors, and fans: thank you. You made sure our athletes had everything they needed to compete this weekend. Every lane timed, every court set up, every cheer from the stands. This is what Special Olympics Virginia looks like when the whole community shows up.

06/06/2026

Our Guardians of the Flame.

Before Opening Ceremony kicked off, Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Virginia officers from across the Commonwealth came together to complete the Final Mile and carry the Flame of Hope inside Robins Stadium at the University of Richmond.

The culmination of a Torch Run season that raised more than $113,000+ for our athletes.

06/06/2026

The 2026 Summer Games are officially underway following Opening Ceremony at the University of Richmond.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Virginia carried the Flame of Hope and lit the cauldron, marking the start of competition. 🔥

With a special performance by Elliott Yamin , recognition of this year's award winners, and support from our hosts at GeNienne Samuels, with WTVR CBS 6 News the excitement is building and the competition is officially underway.

Let the games begin!

06/06/2026

Let the games begin!

1,200 athletes will go for GOLD tomorrow at the 2026 Summer Games.

06/05/2026

Behind every smile is a story.
Behind every athlete is a journey.

Months of training. Countless hours of preparation. Every step has led to this moment.

Today, they take the stage at the 2026 Summer Games, representing the very best of determination, courage, and competition.

06/05/2026

Day 1 of Summer Games is in the books. More than 1,200 athletes from across Virginia hit the pool, the track, the courts, and more across Richmond.

Tomorrow athletes will compete for gold!