Join Us
This summer, more than 1,200 athletes with intellectual disabilities from across England, Scotland and Wales will come together for the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games 2026. This is our biggest national celebration of sport, inclusion and community since 2017.
Across 21 days of competition and 15 sports, athletes will compete with pride, passion and determination at events across Great Britain, culminating in a major four-day, multi-sport event in Birmingham across August Bank Holiday weekend.
Come and see what our athletes can do
The Special Olympics GB National Summer Games are a celebration of everything our athletes can achieve when they are given the opportunity to thrive.
Whether you’re a sports fan, family looking for an inspiring day out, volunteer, supporter or simply curious to experience the incredible atmosphere of Special Olympics GB, we’d love you to join us.
Single-sport National Summer Games competitions across Great Britain
Supporters and spectators are warmly encouraged to attend our Special Olympics GB National Summer Games single sport events taking place across the country this summer.
Come along, cheer athletes on and experience the joy, determination and community spirit that make Special Olympics so special.
For further information about attending any of the above events, please contact the relevant Competition Manager, details of which can be found on our Event Calendar.
Birmingham multi-sport National Summer Games event
Thursday 27th – Sunday 30th August 2026
The Special Olympics GB National Summer Games 2026 will culminate in Birmingham with four unforgettable days of competition, celebration and community.
Divisioning & Training – Thursday 27 August
Opening Ceremony – 6pm
Join us for a joyous Opening Ceremony featuring:
- Athlete parade
- The Flame of Hope
- Entertainment and live performances
- Celebration moments and special guests
Competition – Friday 28th August to Sunday 30th August
Come and experience the excitement of live competition across venues including:
- Alexander Stadium (athletics)
- GMAC (rhythmic gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, MATP (Saturday Only)
- High Performance Centre - next to GMAC (football)
- Wyndley Leisure Centre (swimming, boccia)
The Games offers a brilliant day out with family and friends over the August bank holiday weekend - full of energy, emotion and unforgettable moments.
Closing Ceremony – 4pm Sunday 30th August
Celebrate the achievements of athletes from across Great Britain as we bring the Games to a close together.
Register your interest in attending the Games in Birmingham
Ticketing details for the Opening Ceremony and Birmingham multi-sport weekend will go live in early July.
Register your interest now and we’ll send you:
- Ticketing information
- Accessibility information
- Venue and transport details
- Competition schedules
- Event updates and announcements
Register your Interest Here
Volunteer at the Games
Want to be part of something unforgettable?
Thousands of volunteers will help bring the National Summer Games to life - welcoming guests, supporting athletes, creating amazing experiences and helping deliver one of the UK’s most joyful and inclusive sporting events.
Volunteer applications close on 30th June 2026.
Register here: https://sogbevents.org.uk/
Support the Games as a partner
The National Summer Games present a unique opportunity for brands and organisations to align with one of the UK’s most inspiring and fast-growing social movements.
A small number of partnership opportunities remain for organisations looking to play a visible role in helping create an exceptional Games experience for athletes and their families. Examples include supporting athlete and spectator experiences, help bringing our mascot Sammy to life and support of our Light Up For Inclusion event in July.
To find out more, please contact:
Allie Tarry, Director of Development
Thank you to all of our partners for your incredible support
Headline partner
Coca-Cola GB
Official sponsors
Fuller’s, Smith and Turner
Toyota GB
Supporters
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
Law Enforcement Torch Run
Mitsubishi Electric UK
Nestle Health
Ocean Outdoor
UPS
Thanks to
Rocca
Orion Security Print