Over 400 Participants from the United States and the Caribbean Set to Compete
Reno, NV. – March 5, 2026 – Special Olympics Kansas’s athletes (individuals with intellectual disabilities) and Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) are gearing up for the 34th annual Special Olympics National Unified Bowling Tournament, taking place March 10-12 in Reno, Nev., at the National Bowling Stadium. Hosted by Special Olympics North America, with support from the United States Bowling Congress, AMVETS, the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority, and Special Olympics Nevada, this three-day event will feature more than 400 participants from 22 Special Olympics Programs across the United States and the Caribbean.
The competition will feature Special Olympics Unified Sports® doubles and team formats, bringing individuals with and without ID together on the same team. In Unified Sports, teammates of similar age and ability train and compete together. The event will include four-person team sessions on Wednesday, followed by two-person team sessions on Thursday. In addition to bowling, the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® program will offer free health screenings to participating athletes.
Kansas will be represented by 4 athlete and Unified partner pairs. The team’s roster includes Trevor Golden, and Cassondra Knapp of McPherson, Jacob Sopher and Shannon Sopher-Steffen of Bonner Springs, Cody Wanklyn and SueAnn Wanklyn of Marshall County, and Maggie Stadler and Mason Stadler of Topeka.
“We’re proud of the delegation representing Kansas at SONA Bowling,” said John Lair, CEO and President of Special Olympics Kansas. “We’ll be cheering them on from home.”
Members of the media interested in interviews with athletes, Unified partners, or coaches, please contact Ashley Pippin at pippina@soks.org.
