Making History and Memories at USA Games

After seven spectacular days, the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games came to a close on June 12. Special Olympics Florida athletes showed a national audience that they can compete with the best athletes in the U.S. and from across the Caribbean, collecting 139 gold medals, 98 silver medals, and 91 bronze medals.

Athletes, volunteers, and Special Olympics Florida staff members will remember the Games for the rest of their lives — from the pageantry of the opening ceremony, to record-setting performances, to the athletes’ dance party on the Games’ final day. But in interviews during the week, participants cited the same thing when asked what they liked best: connecting with fellow athletes from across the state and across the country.

“I like competing,” said double-gold medal winner Kenyatta Johnson. “But I really like making friends and meeting other athletes. It’s been so much fun for me.”

View the full photo gallery of the Games