Special Olympics athlete from Pittsfield set to represent Team Massachusetts at 2026 Special Olympics USA Games

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The top 3,000 Special Olympic athletes will compete in Minnesota next summer at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

Shannon Cowell was seen wiping away tears over Zoom as she found out she qualified and will represent Team Massachusetts.

Cowell was born and raised in Pittsfield and is a dual-sport athlete. She's a former cross-country skier, current bowler, and golfer. The Pittsfield native most recently qualified to compete in Track and Field at next summer's USA games.

Inspired to become a Special Olympics athlete at the age of nine, after her brother competed at the World Games. Cowell has competed at the Massachusetts State Games and won multiple medals. Her latest achievement includes earning gold in softball throw at the 2025 Summer Games.

Outside of training, Shannon works at Big Y and manages training day to day by including physical activity in her daily routine. "This morning my boyfriend and I went out walking and we just walked the track this morning to get exercise in," shared Cowell.

Cowell shares her advice for younger Special Olympic athletes and the aspiring, "Work hard, have determination and dedication. Overall, just have fun in whatever they are participating in."