The Board of Trustees of Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) has approved plans to stage a newly structured National Summer Games in 2026, which could provide competition opportunities for around 1,700 children and adults with an intellectual disability.

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Following extensive consultation with the Special Olympics GB network, the Athlete Leadership Team and National Sports Advisors, a hybrid concept has been approved for the event, consisting of:

– Multi-sport (four-five days) event held at a single cluster of venues/location, prioritising Special Olympics GB’s most popular participation sports:

   * Athletics, Boccia, Football, Artistic Gymnastics, MATP, Swimming

– Single-sport (one-two day) national competitions, following the successful 2022 Summer Series of Sport model, hosted in different locations for:

   * Remaining Tier 1 and selected Tier 2 sports, including: Badminton, Basketball, Bowls, Cycling,    
      Equestrian, Golf, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Table Tennis, Tennis

   * Competitions may be expanded versions of current national single-sport events

Special Olympics GB’s National Office team is now working with multiple venues, local stakeholders, and partners to identify the most appropriate location and dates for the multi-sport event.

“The National Summer Games has been an important topic of interest among our membership since our return to competition in 2022, following the pandemic,” said Laura Baxter MBE, Chief Executive of Special Olympics GB. “We recognise the passion of our membership for this event so we undertook an extensive consultation process, which the vast majority of accredited clubs engaged with. We’ve listened hard to their feedback and ambitions for this event and are delighted to now have a concept to take forward.

“Not only does this hybrid approach provide competitive sporting opportunities for a significant number of our registered athletes, but it is also consistent with the financial sustainability of our movement.

“The world has changed a lot since our last major National Summer Games, in Sheffield in 2017, and it is imperative that we consider the increased cost of living and the reduced amount of external funding that we can access. Borrowing or taking financial risks on behalf of Special Olympics GB is not something we can consider.

However, we believe that this model can change the lives of many people with an intellectual disability, giving them an opportunity to meet fellow athletes from around the country, make new friends and be part of an event that celebrates their participation. It will also provide a pathway for our athletes to qualify for selection for the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile.By Laura Baxter MBE

“We have already held very positive discussions with venues and potential partners regarding our primary multi-sport event. Discussions are also continuing with our National Sports Advisors, who have played an integral part in this process, regarding the additional single-sport competitions to be staged over the summer.”

Further details on the date and location of the 2026 National Summer Games will be confirmed in winter 2025/26. In the meantime, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.