Meet Champ the Golden Retriever: 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Introduces First-Ever Live Mascot

Four-legged champion of inclusion will spread tail-wagging joy, comfort and connection across Minnesota and beyond

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for National Dog Day, the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games is unleashing its newest team member, Champ, a golden retriever therapy dog who will serve as the official mascot and four-legged ambassador for the USA Games, scheduled to take place from June 20-26, 2026 in Minnesota.

Champ isn't just here for belly rubs and photo ops – though she welcomes both! She joins the team with an important mission to champion inclusion, uplift communities and bring comfort to athletes and fans alike. From the field to the finish line, Champ will serve as the ulti-mutt multi-sport ambassador, embodying values like sportsmanship, inclusivity and spirit wherever she goes.

"We're incredibly proud to introduce Champ as the first live mascot in the history of the Special Olympics USA Games," said Christy Sovereign, CEO of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. "Dogs have a unique way of connecting with people, meeting them without judgment and leading with heart. That's exactly the kind of energy we want to carry into the 2026 USA Games. Champ symbolizes our mission to champion one another, on and off the field, regardless of ability."

This month, Champ made her paw-blic debut at the Minnesota State Fair Parade, bringing high-fives, tail wags and smiles to attendees. As a registered therapy dog, Champ will continue spreading her infectious paws-itivity leading up to the Games, with special appearances at community events, athlete engagements and more.

A Mascot with Purpose

Champ comes to the USA Games from North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners, a leader in the Twin Cities therapy animal community. Anecdotal research shows therapy dogs can significantly reduce anxiety and promote emotional well-being, particularly in high-energy, high-stakes environments. During the 2026 USA Games, Champ will provide athletes with emotional support, companionship and encouragement in the moments that matter most. Her presence offers proven benefits: reduced anxiety, stronger connection and a constant reminder that inclusion is a daily practice.

In addition to providing emotional support at sporting competitions, Champ will be a key figure at partner activations for the 2026 USA Games, including UnitedHealthcare's sensory spaces, which will be located on the University of Minnesota campus during the week of the Games.

Champ's arrival adds to the growing anticipation for the 2026 USA Games, a defining movement that will welcome more than 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and thousands of fans to the Twin Cities in June 2026. Athletes will compete in 16 Olympic-style sports at premier venues, including the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine.

For updates and information, visit 2026specialolympicsusagames.org and follow @2026USAGames on social media.

About Special Olympics USA Games
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games – scheduled for June 20-26, 2026, across Minnesota's Twin Cities with sports competitions at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine – is a national celebration of inclusivity, changing perceptions and the ability of the human spirit rising above limitations. The USA Games, with co-presenting partners Jersey Mike's Subs and UnitedHealthcare, will be one of the biggest U.S. sporting events of the year, drawing tens of thousands of fans to celebrate the ability of over 3,000 incredible athletes from all 50 states as they compete in 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports. As a state with a long history of championing inclusion, the USA Games now bring an unrivaled opportunity to Minnesota to spark new energy around the Special Olympics movement and create a lasting legacy of positive change.

SOURCE 2026 Special Olympics USA Games