By Erin Holloway, Special Olympics Colorado Athlete Leader

Kolton and Gary Johnston are two brothers who share a passion for sports. This summer, they will be competing as part of Team Colorado Unified Basketball at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota.

For Kolton and Gary, basketball is their favorite sport and playing Unified basketball on the same team makes it even more special. They have been playing basketball together since they were kids, and began playing Unified sports together 3 years ago at Brighton High School. “We got some pretty good chemistry,” said Gary when talking about what it’s like playing on the same team as his brother.

“I feel like we work really well together,” agreed Kolton. “We can beat any team that we play against.”

Now, Kolton and Gary have been selected to represent Team Colorado at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Together, they will be competing in Unified basketball, with their teammates from the University of Colorado – Boulder Unified basketball team. Although Kolton is still a senior at Brighton High School, he was invited to play on the Team Colorado basketball team.

“It’s pretty cool that I get to compete at USA Games even though I’m not in college,” explained Kolton. “It’s kind of cool being included into the college program for that because I have a community after I leave high school. I can play with them afterwards.”

Kolton said he is excited to be representing Team Colorado at a higher level and to compete against all of the other states. He also said that it’s going to be fun competing with his brother.

Once they get to Minnesota for USA Games, they’re excited to compete in front of a big audience and hopefully win gold, but Kolton would be happy to receive any medal. “Yeah, mainly to go there to have fun and try to win basically,” Kolton said, while Gary is looking forward to making some friends from other states as well.

After USA Games, Kolton is joining Gary at CU Boulder and will continue competing in Unified sports, especially Unified basketball. Kolton believes that competing at USA Games gives him the confidence to continue to do more Unified sports into his future. He mentions he’s especially excited to play flag football after USA Games!

This experience of going to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games is so special because Kolton and Gary not only get to share that moment together, but they get to continue playing sports with each other after the Games. I believe it makes their bond even stronger as brothers. I wish them and all of Team Colorado the best of luck in their competitions!