Northern California has a rich history of basketball. With major NBA and WNBA teams, numerous high-profile college programs and a long list of homegrown stars, the bar is set high for any team striving for success on the court.
And Team NorCal is no different. A Special Olympics Northern California basketball team from the Sacramento area will represent Team NorCal at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota from June 20-26.
Held every four years, the USA Games bring together thousands of athletes from all 50 states to compete and showcase their skills on a national stage.
The Team NorCal basketball team is ready for the challenge and is focused on the goal: the gold.
A Gold Standard for Team NorCal Basketball
“It’s gold or bust. To be completely honest,” said Cliff, a coach for Team NorCal basketball. “That’s the expectation that we’ve set and that we’re going to live by when we get to Minnesota. We’re going to have a gold standard once we get there.”
Team NorCal’s basketball team is comprised of 10 athletes and three coaches from Elk Grove in the Greater Sacramento area. The experience of the athletes ranges from a few years in Special Olympics to more than 20 years, with a number of athletes and coaches having participated together for some time.
This history, said Coach Cliff, is one aspect that makes his team ready for the spotlight.
Preparing for Special Olympics USA Games
“I think this team is extremely special,” he said. “We’ve been together, some of us, for over 10 years. I think the chemistry, their passion, their heart, just being together… We’re more like a family. I think that’s what makes our team much more special than any other team.”
That family environment, coupled with a high level of competition, leads to increased expectations from coaches and athletes alike.
While Special Olympics fundamentally celebrates athletes of all abilities and focuses on sportsmanship and teamwork, the intensity and skill of many athletes cannot be overlooked. Athletes are pushed by their coaches to be their best, just like any other league, and coaches expect hard work and discipline to accomplish their goals.
“I’m looking forward to seeing them play on a national stage,” said Coach Cliff.
“They’ve worked hard for this, they deserve it, and it’s a good time to see how we match up against the rest of the country.”
Team NorCal Athletes Ready for USA Games
One member of the Team NorCal basketball squad, Athlete Gabe, has participated in Special Olympics for four years. He enjoys being around people who like to compete and who share the same passion as him.
When asked about looking ahead to the USA Games, he talked about enjoying the experience while also noting the goals that they’ve set as a team.
“{I look forward to} having fun,” said Gabe. “I’ve never done this before. And trying to win gold. It’s gold or bust, what he {coach Cliff} said.”
The full Team NorCal delegation recently completed their Training Camp in the South Bay and will continue preparing for the USA Games this summer.
You can support Team NorCal and help them reach their goals. Learn more about our Team NorCal delegation and follow along for more on their Road to Minnesota.
About Special Olympics Northern California:
Special Olympics Northern California empowers children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports. Through the power of sport, we promote inclusion, acceptance, and the development of life skills, building stronger communities for one athlete at a time.