The countdown to Minnesota is officially on, and we brought our champions to the center of the financial world!

The energy in Times Square was absolutely electric as the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games stepped up to the podium to ring the Nasdaq Closing Bell!

With only 12 days until more than 3,000 athletes from all 50 states arrive in Minnesota, this was a massive, unforgettable milestone. But we didn’t do it alone. This incredible day in New York City brought together an amazing team showcasing the true power of community, sport, and partnership:

Special Olympics & State Programs: Incredible athletes and executives from Special Olympics Minnesota and Special Olympics Rhode Island stood side-by-side, representing the courage, joy, and determination of our athletes nationwide.

The Minnesota Vikings: A huge thank you to the community relations and social team (Logan Johnson and Clare Mathews) and Vikings offensive tackle Walter Rouse who made the trip with us. They brought that championship energy and SKOL spirit straight to the Nasdaq MarketSite stage!

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics (LETR): The heartbeat of our grassroots support! The LETR team is currently making history with the first-ever coast-to-coast relay, carrying the Flame of Hope all across the country on their way to Minnesota. Seeing the flame build excitement in NYC reminds us all of what is possible when we champion inclusion together.

As our CEO Christine (Christy) Sovereign shared from the podium, the stage is set, the athletes are lining up, and Minnesota is ready.

Thank you, NASDAQ, for shining a global spotlight on our athletes and the upcoming Games. Next stop: Minneapolis-St. Paul!