Team Special Olympics Arkansas is off to an outstanding start at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, bringing home gold medals, earning major victories and setting personal records while representing the Natural State on the national stage.
The 90-member delegation, known as the “Arkansas Diamonds,” includes 68 athletes and Unified Partners along with 22 coaches and support staff. Team Arkansas is competing in 11 sports, including athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, powerlifting, swimming, tennis, unified softball, unified flag football and unified pickleball.
One of the biggest highlights came in tennis, where Josh McGuire of Fort Smith captured a gold medal in Level 5 singles competition. Ashley Dyke and Tiffany English of Springdale also earned gold medals in unified doubles competition.
On the football field, Team Arkansas defeated host state Minnesota by a score of 31-13 in unified flag football, one of the team’s most impressive victories of the week.
The Arkansas basketball team also delivered a strong performance, defeating Hawaii 38-15. After being tied 6-6 at halftime, Team Arkansas exploded offensively in the second half to secure the convincing victory.
In the pool, Arkansas swimmers continued to shine. The 4×50 medley relay team recorded a personal-best time of 2:40.87 while placing 3rd during preliminary competition.
Team Arkansas earned its first official gold medal Tuesday and has continued adding medals in track and field, bocce and bowling events.
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games continue this week in Minnesota, with Team Arkansas competing for additional medals while proudly representing communities across Arkansas.
