06/21/2026
LAWRENCEVILLE'S RYAN FARRAR HEADS TO MINNESOTA TO REPRESENT TEAM ILLINOIS AT SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES
Lawrenceville resident Ryan Farrar is preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime as he joins Special Olympics Illinois for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Farrar, a powerlifter and longtime Special Olympics athlete, is one of 57 Illinois athletes and Unified partners selected to represent the state at the national competition, which runs June 20-26. He is the lone athlete from the Evansville Area delegation named to Team Illinois.
Team Illinois will gather in Rockford this Thursday evening before departing for Minnesota, where athletes from across the nation will compete and celebrate the power of inclusion through sport.
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will bring together approximately 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers, and 75,000 fans from all 50 states. Organizers describe the event as an opportunity to spark positive change through sports, acceptance, and inclusion.
For Farrar, the journey to the USA Games represents years of dedication and hard work.
According to his athlete biography, Farrar has been involved with Special Olympics for 13 years and has competed in powerlifting for the past nine years. He trains both at home and at a local gym, continually working to improve his squat, bench press, and deadlift.
Special Olympics has provided more than athletic competition for Farrar. He says the organization has given him friendship, motivation, and opportunities for personal growth. He takes pride in doing his best, having fun, and making his family and friends proud along the way.
The USA Games will mark Farrar's first appearance on the national stage as a member of Team Illinois.
Earlier this year, members of Team Illinois visited the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. During the trip, athletes and coaches were recognized on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives and met with lawmakers to advocate for the neurodiverse community.
The delegation discussed issues including anti-bullying efforts in schools, health initiatives that support early intervention, and workforce programs designed to create greater employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Team Illinois members also attended the Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus Autism Awareness Reception, highlighting the growing statewide effort to support inclusion and opportunity for neurodiverse individuals.
The full Team Illinois delegation includes 57 athletes and Unified partners, 16 coaches, and seven support staff members. Athletes will compete in eight sports: athletics (track and field), bocce, bowling, gymnastics, powerlifting, swimming, Unified basketball, and Unified volleyball.
Special Olympics Illinois President and CEO Pete Beale-DelVecchio praised the delegation in a recent announcement.
"We are incredibly proud of the Team Illinois athletes," Beale-DelVecchio said. "Their achievements inspire us all and reflect the spirit of Special Olympics Illinois. We know they will represent our state with honor and showcase the inclusive community of our state."
Friends, family members, and supporters can follow Team Illinois throughout the week through the Special Olympics USA Games app, where users can view competition results and send messages of encouragement to athletes. ESPN+ is also expected to provide extensive coverage of the Games.
As Team Illinois heads to Minnesota, Lawrence County will have a hometown athlete carrying its banner on the national stage. The entire community will be cheering on Ryan Farrar as he represents Lawrenceville, Illinois, and Special Olympics Illinois at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Ryan had previously appeared on an episode of The Local Lens - Lawrenceville Unfiltered - Podcast. The episode can be viewed on YouTube at https://youtu.be/ovFNNJVd1qU
Article sponsored by: Steve Faulkner Sales - Louie Your Car Guy
