local
Special Olympics USA Games week starts in Blaine with torch run
By Emily Baude at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· June 21, 2026
· 2 min read
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Ceremonial torch arrives
The Special Olympics USA Games are getting underway in Blaine this weekend.
...
Key takeaway “The economic impact… is estimated at $70 million; you’re going to have 10s of thousands of volunteers, so really the numbers are staggering, it’s amazing,” said Giambelluca.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
As the Special Olympics USA Games get underway in Blaine, Minneapolis residents can expect a ripple effect of excitement and community engagement throughout the Twin Cities. With an estimated economic impact of $70 million, the games will undoubtedly bring a boost to local businesses and tourism. But beyond the financial benefits, the games also offer a unique opportunity for Minneapolis residents to come together and support athletes with disabilities. The fact that tens of thousands of volunteers are already signed up to participate is a testament to the strong sense of community and social responsibility that exists in the area. As the games continue throughout the week, Minneapolis residents can look forward to a range of events and activities that showcase the abilities and achievements of Special Olympics athletes, and demonstrate the city's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 21, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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What is this story about? @keyframes spin {
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Ceremonial torch arrives
The Special Olympics USA Games are getting underway in Blaine this weekend.
...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 21, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Emily Baude at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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