USA Games Athlete Spotlight: Harley Rich

Hometown: Topeka
Sport: Flag Football

Harley is a seasoned Special Olympics athlete whose journey spans more than 15 years of competition, growth, and achievement. Competing in flag football at the 2026 USA Games, Harley brings both experience and passion as he represents Team Kansas on the national stage.

Since joining Special Olympics in 2010, Harley has participated in a wide range of sports and built lasting friendships along the way. He shares that Special Olympics has truly changed his life, giving him the opportunity to meet incredible teammates, coaches, and mentors who have made a lasting impact.

Harley takes pride in how far he has come, reflecting on the progress he’s made over the past 15 years. His journey is marked by determination and resilience, and he values every opportunity to play the sports he loves as part of a team.

This will be Harley’s third USA Games appearance, having previously competed in 2014 in New Jersey as a bowler and in 2022 in Orlando, Florida as part of a softball team. With each experience, he’s gained confidence and created unforgettable memories. He’s especially excited for 2026, noting that he’s looking forward to competing in a new location and meeting athletes from across the country.

Some of Harley’s proudest accomplishments include graduating from high school, competing in wrestling, and being part of a 2012 state championship team. Outside of sports, he works at TARC Industries in document destruction and enjoys cooking and grilling—something he considers one of his strengths. He also values spending time with his family, whether it’s watching movies or cheering on their favorite sports teams together.

To stay ready for competition, Harley focuses on consistent training, including attending practices and running regularly. His dedication and positive attitude continue to drive his success both on and off the field.

As he heads to the 2026 USA Games, Harley is ready to represent Kansas with pride, build new friendships, and continue doing what he loves most—competing and being part of a team.

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In June, Team Kansas will represent our state at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games — competing against thousands of athletes from across the country. For many, it’s the biggest moment of their athletic career.

But here’s the reality: getting our team to Minnesota doesn’t happen without serious community support. Travel, uniforms, equipment, meals, and competition fees add up fast. Every dollar raised goes directly toward making sure our athletes can focus on one thing — competing their hearts out.