MICC is excited to share that three of our participants are joining Team Minnesota for the Special Olympics USA Games taking place right here in the Twin Cities in June 2026. Kayla (unified golf), Michael (soccer), and Aaron (soccer) will be competing alongside athletes from all 50 states! Get to know each of them and watch for more stories over the next year as they train and prepare for the big event!
Meet Kayla:
A 2020 MICC graduate, Kayla started golfing with the Thief River Falls Middle & High School Golf Teams in 6th grade. After moving to Grand Rapids, she joined Special Olympics and began golfing with Team Itasca until moving to Minneapolis full time after MICC graduation. She began golfing with The Blues Special Olympics Team in 2022. She and her father are a Unified Team and golf together. Kayla previously competed in swimming at the 2019 Special Olympic World Games in the United Arab Emirates!
Meet Aaron:
A 2024 MICC graduate, Aaron has played soccer for only two years! He joined the Savage/Prior Lake Lakers team alongside fellow Team Minnesota player Michael and has excelled at the sport. In addition to soccer, Aaron also plays floor hockey, basketball, flag football, bowling, swimming, and track and field. You may recognize Aaron, he was our Gala co-emcee in March!
Meet Michael:
A 2024 MICC graduate, Michael was just three years old when he first picked up a hockey stick, soccer ball, and basketball. After many years competing in wrestling, he has the opportunity to join the Minnesota Adaptive Athletic Association and play soccer, floor hockey, and softball. They made three state tournament appearances, and Michael earned all-conference honors nine times. Encouraged by friends Seth and Aaron, Michael joined the Savage/Prior Lake Lakers. With the Lakers, Michael has won two state titles with the hockey program, a championship in soccer, and a state title in golf.
All three participants gathered on campus to discuss the exciting year ahead and receive congratulations from MICC CEO Amy Gudmestad. We will be following their journey as they train and meet regularly with their fellow athletes to prepare for the big event.
Special Olympics USA Games will take place in Minnesota June 20-26, 2026. Read more on the Special Olympics website. Stay tuned for more updates! Congratulations, Kayla, Michael, and Aaron!