The 2026 Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games open Friday in Raleigh and the surrounding area. About 1,700 Special Olympians and Unified partners — individuals who train with them — will be competing.
Events include basketball, gymnastics, powerlifting and more. Venues in Cary, Raleigh and Morrisville will host the Games, with nearly 1,200 volunteers overseeing the events.
The opening ceremony begins Friday night at Reynolds Coliseum on the North Carolina State University campus. Events are free and open to the public and run through Sunday.