Team Illinois shines at 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, bringing home multiple medals – WEEK | 25 News Now

EAST PEORIA (25News Now) – Team Illinois has returned home after an impressive performance at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, finishing sixth overall among more than 50 teams from across the country.

Special Olympics USA represented Team Illinois. Unified Volleyball Coach Julie Smith called the experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“It’s exciting because it’s an opportunity that I may never get again. I’ve coached at a lot of levels, and the experience was amazing, and I would do it again if I ever had the chance,” said Smith.

Travis Brady, who helped lead his team to a silver medal in unified volleyball, described the emotional moment of hearing the results.

“I was fighting tears so much, but I was so happy that we got second place,” Brady said.

Brady has been involved with Special Olympics for around 10 years and said competing at the national level had long been a dream.

“It was on my bucket list. I always wanted to go to the bigger stage, like the USA Games. When my coach Julie called me and asked if I wanted to try out, I jumped on it right away,” he said.

Kelsey Ferguson also delivered a standout performance, earning multiple medals in athletics. She won gold in the 1500 meters and added bronze medals in the 4×400-meter relay and mini javelin.

“I practiced way in advance,” Ferguson said.

Tommie Knudsen rounded out Team Illinois’ success by capturing gold in the bocce team event, crediting a steady and consistent practice routine.

“I just went out and practiced every day, maybe every two days. Every morning I went out, not in the afternoon because it would have been hot,” Knudsen said. “I was very excited. I had not cried at all I was very excited.”

With strong performances across multiple sports, Team Illinois leaves the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games with pride, medals, and lasting memories.

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