1,500 Special Olympics Arizona athletes expected for basketball, cheer competitions in Mesa

Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ) is expecting more than 3,000 athletes, partners and coaches for one of its biggest competitions of the year this spring, which will take place in Mesa.

The 2026 state basketball and cheer state games, presented by the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation, will feature more than 1,500 SOAZ athletes and it will take place on March 6-7 at the Arizona Athletic Grounds sports and entertainment complex, according to a press release.

The event will kick off on March 6 with basketball events in Fieldhouse B from about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 7 will start with opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m., with the athletes involved and the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation presenting the SOAZ with a special check.

Then the cheer competition will go from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Fieldhouse C.

There will also be athletic leadership from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a sensory station open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the athletes on both days in Fieldhouse C. Those attending can purchase merchandise to support Special Olympics Arizona from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

This year will celebrate 50 years of the Special Olympics Arizona competition, and it’s grown from a one-day track and field event with 100 athletes and 20 volunteers to 21 sports with more than 400 regional and five state-level competitions for 18,500 athletes and 19,000 volunteers annually, the release said.

Special Olympics Arizona is the Grand Canyon State’s movement of individuals creating a world of inclusion and community, where everyone is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability of disability.

The purpose of the Special Olympics is to empower children and adults with intellectual disabilities to live healthy, fulfilling and meaningful lives through health, leadership and advocacy programs, in addition to year-round sports training and athletic competition, the release said.

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