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Hui ʻO Hawaiʻi claims 2 gold medals in track and field events during 2026 Special Olympics USA Games

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Aloha spirit is shining on the national stage as Hui ʻO Hawaiʻi — the Special Olympics Hawaiʻi team — competes during the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minn.

Representing the islands are 16 Special Olympics Hawaiʻi athletes, two Unified Partners and their coaches, all hailing from O‘ahu, Kauaʻi, Maui and the Big Island.

Eva Ujano of Maui celebrates June 24, 2026, following a race as part of track and field events during the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minn. (Courtesy Photo: Special Olympics Hawai‘i)

Hui ʻO Hawaiʻi on June 24 added two medals to its medal count. The Hawaiʻi team has earned 2 gold medals so far.

Results from Wednesday for Special Olympics Hawaiʻi

Eva Ujano of Maui

  • Gold: 100-meter walk
  • Gold: 400-meter walk

Bradley McDermott-Sa of Kauaʻi

  • Sixth place: Bowling singles

Brandon Taitingfong of O‘ahu

  • Fifth place: Bowling singles

Hui ʻO Hawaiʻi athletes join more than 3,000 Special Olympics athletes from throughout the nation competing in basketball, bowling and track and field, as well as participate in Youth Leadership Programs.

The Special Olympics USA Games run through June 26, celebrating the Special Olympics movement while promoting the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sports and highlighting the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Those who want to support Special Olympics Hawai‘i can make a donation online to any of the athletes, coaches, sports or Hui ʻO Hawaiʻi.

This year’s Special Olympics USA Games is one of the largest, most inclusive sporting events in the country. It brings together 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and an expected 75,000 fans from all 50 states.

  • Bradley McDermott-Sa of Kauaʻi makes his approach to the alley during the bowling singles competition June 24, 2026, at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minn. (Screenshot from Courtesy Video: Special Olympics Hawai‘i)
  • Eva Ujano of Maui races June 24, 2026, in a track and field event during the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minn. Ujano won two gold medals Wednesday at the games, including one for the 100-meter walk and another in the 400-meter walk. (Courtesy Photo: Special Olympics Hawai‘i)

The event aims to spark a ripple effect that transforms lives, unites communities and changes the world.

Visit the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games website for additional information about the annual games and more.

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