Melbourne to Host 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games

Melbourne to Host 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games

Special Olympics Australia is delighted to announce Melbourne has been chosen as the host city of the 2026 National Games.

Special Olympics Australia provides sports training and competition to people with intellectual disability and/or autism and the National Games is the pinnacle of our national competition pathway.

Every four years since 1986, the Games have brought together hundreds of athletes from across Australia for a week of sport and celebration. It also provides athletes with an opportunity to be selected to represent Australia at the Special Olympics World Games where they can wear the green and gold with pride.  

This will be Special Olympics Australia’s thirteenth National Games and the third to be held in Melbourne, a city with world-class sporting infrastructure and a leader in inclusive sport and major events. The Games will also coincide with the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics in Australia, creating a platform for a celebration of inclusion.

Pierre Comis, Special Olympics Australia CEO, said:

“The National Games will bring together up to 1000 athletes from across Australia to compete in 12 sports. The event will showcase the power of our movement which is more than just sport. Special Olympics uses sport, health, education and leadership as a catalyst for inclusion of people with intellectual disability and/or autism in all walks of life.”

“Melbourne’s proven track record in hosting major sporting events, the city's accessibility and world-class sporting facilities makes it a perfect host for all athletes. We look forward to working with our volunteers and Games Partners to deliver an exceptional National Games experience that showcases the spirit and achievements of the athletes.” 

Leading the event delivery for Special Olympics Australia will be National Games Director John Palmer. John brings a wealth of experience with over 30 years in the sports and entertainment industry both in Australia and internationally, most recently in the United States of America with the Los Angeles Marathon and World Athletics Road Running Championships.

The Special Olympics Australia National Games will be held in October 2026 within the event precinct of Albert Park which will provide an accessible and cohesive Games experience for athletes and spectators.