Hey Gopher fans,

While it might feel like the sports world is settling into a summer lull, Minnesota has hosted some pretty cool events this week. The Special Olympics wrapped up this weekend, and you can check out our coverage of the event. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship also came to Minnesota this week at Hazeltine National Golf Club. It finished up Sunday after an exciting week featuring some of the biggest names in golf, including Olympic gold medalist Nelly Korda.

Now, it wouldn’t be one of my newsletters without at least one hockey update. Gopher fans have something to celebrate as incoming freshman Wyatt Cullen was selected 10th overall by the Nashville Predators in this year’s NHL Draft. It feels like the hockey season is already shaping up to be an exciting one.

Whether you’re spending your weekend at the lake or counting down the days until hockey season like me, thanks for reading, and have a great week!

Respectfully, Ski-U-Mah,

Samantha Roering | Sports Editor | [email protected]

In the Spotlight

Special Olympics USA Games kick off opening ceremony at Huntington Bank Stadium

by Kyra Deters, Lizzy Nyoike and Regan Guirguis | Published June 25, 2026

On Saturday evening, thousands of athletes and supporters alike gathered in Huntington Bank Stadium for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Opening Ceremony.

Taking place from June 20-26, the Games are estimated to bring together around 10,000 volunteers, 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches and 75,000 fans, according to the Special Olympics USA Games’ website.

The opening ceremony featured a variety of events, including a parade of athletes; motivational speeches; the traditional lighting of the Games’ cauldron, which signifies the start of the competitions and musical performances from Demi Lovato and Jon Batiste.

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