The Special Olympics Texas 2026 Winter Games will take place Feb. 13-15 in host cities Lakeway and Bee Cave.

The specifics

At a press conference held Nov. 18, various speakers presented about the upcoming Winter Games and its impact across the local community, including:
  • Rodrick Walker, NFL Austin Chapter player and community relations coordinator
  • CEO of Special Olympics Texas Tim Martin
  • Lakeway Mayor Tom Kilgore
  • Bee Cave Mayor Kara King
  • Lakeway Chief of Police Glen Koen
  • William Pitmon, Bee Cave interim chief of police
  • CEO of Professional Contract Services Tony Cucolo
  • Mini Garrett, special needs trust services and senior lead fiduciary advisory specialist
  • Special Olympics Texas athlete Nick Rodriguez
The Winter Games will feature powerlifting, volleyball, floorball, golf and FUNdamental sports, such as bowling and cheer.

Martin explained how the FUNdamental sports differ from other participation categories.

“For our most profoundly challenged athletes, they'll travel with doctors,” Martin said. “The medical staff will close their clinics and come with those athletes so they have a chance to be on the road. It’s one of the most powerful moments you'll see. I encourage you to go and see FUNdamentals when they come to town.”


This year, the opening ceremonies will take place at Lake Travis High School featuring a performance by Kelley Jakle.

Kilgore stated this will be the fifth year the city of Lakeway will sponsor Special Olympics Texas.

“At this point the city of Lakeway has now sponsored the Special Olympics to the tune of $1.24 million,” Kilgore said. “Special Olympics is the largest recipient of our hotel tax funds in order to keep the games here, to sponsor the athletes and to help offset costs.”
Participants can compete in various activities including volleyball, floorball, powerlifting, golf and FUNdamental sports. (Dacia Garcia/Community Impact)
Participants can compete in various activities including volleyball, floorball, powerlifting, golf and FUNdamental sports. (Dacia Garcia/Community Impact)
Alongside Lakeway and additional organizations, the city of Bee Cave is also sponsoring the games.

“​​Special Olympics creates an inclusive space that celebrates competition, joy and respect where athletes can thrive and all of us can learn to be better humans,” King said. “At its heart, Special Olympics isn't just about competition. It's about showing the world what's possible when people are given the chance to rise.”


What else?

Power lifter Rodriguez shared that his team has been invited to participate in the 2026 U.S. Games taking place in June.

“Two years ago my grandma passed away; I promised that I would make the USA team, and this year I proudly can say I made it to the team,” Rodriguez said.

The 2026 U.S. Games will take place in Minnesota from June 20-26.
  • Feb. 13-15
  • Lake Travis High School, 3324 S. RM 620, Austin (opening ceremony), specific event venues vary
  • www.sotx.org