Jenna Perkins. Photo: Chris Emeott
Jenna Perkins reflects on her role with the Special Olympics USA Games.
“This isn’t just a bunch of games and sports we are playing. This is a movement. This is about inclusion. It’s the Inclusion Revolution,” says Jenna Perkins, honorary co-chair of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Her energy is infectious and genuine. It’s no wonder she was selected for the role, which she carries with pride. “I was so honored to be asked,” says the 2022 graduate of Orono High School.
Since 2022, when it was announced that Minnesota would host this year’s Special Olympics USA Games, Perkins has served as an ambassador and spokesperson for the event, meeting with business leaders and sponsors to coordinate logistics and to build excitement across the state. “Jenna was a natural choice for honorary co-chair,” says Mary Horwath, chief marketing officer for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. “She brings an authentic, powerful athlete voice that grounds every decision we make.”
Jenna Perkins participates at the Spring Partner Forum in April 2025 during the Special Olympics USA Games. Photo: 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
It’s clear that Perkins’ leadership has been instrumental in the planning process. She is both an athlete and a leader, championing the importance of inclusion and visibility wherever she goes. Her experience as a Special Olympics athlete for more than 10 years has provided her with an important foundation that continues to carry her forward. Perkins’ sports resume includes basketball, bocce, bowling, football, snowshoeing, soccer and track.
Perkins competes in many Special Olympic competitions, including basketball. Photos: Eric Perkins
Qualification for the USA Games represents years of commitment, discipline and growth. Athletes and their families invest time and energy for this chance to compete at the highest national level. Coaches mentor and support athletic skills and work on building confidence and resilience. This event validates and celebrates that work on a national platform. “These Games are so important for the athletes,” Perkins says. “It’s a huge way to show the world just how awesome the Special Olympics can be.”
The mission of the Games is to celebrate ability, deliver the highest quality to all stakeholders and leave a lasting legacy of positive change in Minnesota, which is something that Perkins cares about deeply, noting that serving in this role has been an honor, and hopes to continue competing with Special Olympics Minnesota. “I would love to stay involved with leadership and help any way I can to support the organization,” says Perkins, who attended Bethel University in St. Paul through its BUILD program.
Jenna Perkins speaks to corporate sponsors for the Special Olympics USA Games as part of her honorary co-chair role.
For Perkins and for the millions of Americans who live with disabilities, what makes the Games extraordinary isn’t just the scale of it but what it represents. The revolution she refers to is rooted in a belief that is simple and powerful: Athletes of all abilities belong on the court, the track, the field and the national stage. Beyond sports, this commitment to inclusion extends the spirit of belonging to all spheres of the community. “I believe Minnesota will do a great job showing the rest of the world how important inclusion is,” Perkins says.
Photo: Chris Emeott
The Games proudly relies on some 10,000 volunteers to assist with operational logistics, supporting athletes and their families, welcoming spectators to the Fan Zone and officiating events, inviting the community to participate not only as spectators but as partners in building a more inclusive future. “You’re going to love it,” Perkins says.
What to Know
The Opening Ceremony for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games is set for June 20 and will bring the Inclusion Revolution to the Twin Cities. For six days, nearly 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and 75,000 fans from all 50 states will attend the Games, shining a light on the importance of inclusion and belonging—not to mention great athletic competition.
The lineup of events features a host of sports, including basketball, golf, gymnastics, powerlifting, swimming and more. Competitions for 10 sports will be featured and will be held at the University of Minnesota, the official host venue, and competitions for six other sports will be held at the National Sports Center in Blaine.
For fans who can’t attend, portions of the Games will be broadcast on ESPN, allowing the athletes’ stories of determination and achievement to reach an ever wider audience. When the torch is lit on June 20, the Flame of Hope will signal that inclusion is not an abstract idea, but rather, as Jenna Perkins sees it, a meaningful revolution.
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