Sport: Cornhole
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Meet Chris Barnes, a multi-sport athlete from Wichita, proudly representing Kansas in Cornhole at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games!
Chris has been involved with Special Olympics since high school, where a teacher introduced him to the program and he’s never looked back. Over the years, he’s competed in an incredible long lineup of sports including basketball, softball, golf, bocce, soccer, bowling, and flag football. His passion and commitment have also led him to become a Health Messenger, Global Messenger, and respected leader in the Special Olympics community.
For Chris, the heart of the experience is meeting new people. From fellow athletes to coaches and volunteers, he thrives on the connections he builds at competitions and values the chance to represent his community on a national stage.
As he prepares for his first USA Games, Chris is training hard through exercise, step challenges, and lots of practice. The people he admires most are his family, friends, and his biggest fans, the undertaker and Sting. Someone he really looks up to is basketball legend Michael Jordan. A big fan of WWE, video games, and movies Chris brings high energy and dedication to everything he does.
He says what makes him most proud is simply being part of this movement: “I get to meet new people and coaches and volunteers.” That sentiment of inclusion is exactly what the USA Games are all about.
Let’s cheer on Chris as he takes his shot at gold in Minnesota!
