Editor's Note: Vikings Social Media Coordinator Clare Mathews last week accompanied Vikings tackle Walter Rouse and Special Olympics representatives to New York City and captured a unique opportunity to ring the Nasdaq closing bell. The below article is Clare's firsthand account of the experience.

To say the excitement was palpable in the airport lobby at 6:45 on Friday morning would be an understatement.

Vikings offensive lineman Walter Rouse was especially giddy to be taking a day trip to the Big Apple and represent Special Olympics on such a large scale. He was joined by employees of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, as well as athletes who will participate in the upcoming games.

Approximately 24 hours prior to takeoff Friday morning, Vice President of Communications for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Molly Gallatin learned of the opportunity to ring the bell to close the Nasdaq. She and Jessica Poole, Director of Communications for the USA Games, told me that Thursday was full of back-to-back phone calls, frenetic emails and hurried logistics planning for the unique opportunity to be seen live on a national stage – providing unmatched visibility and awareness to this summer's 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

Rouse jumped at the opportunity, having a long-standing relationship with Special Olympics thanks to a deep connection with his late aunt, Therese, who had Down syndrome. He and the Vikings, starting with the Wilf family ownership group and throughout, are deeply committed to the Twin Cities community and are thrilled to welcome the 2026 Games to Minnesota from June 20-26.

"When I found out last year that the Special Olympics were coming to Minnesota, I immediately cleared my schedule, made sure I was available during that time to be involved," Rouse said. "I can't wait to be there for the Opening Ceremony, meet new people and just show my support overall. I'm super excited for it."

We flew to New York, boarded a bus from the airport and, before we knew it, were in the heart of Times Square. Five of the six Special Olympics Minnesota athletes had never been to New York, so there was no shortage of oohs and ahhs as we got our first glimpse of the city skyline. Neon and LED lights of advertisements and billboards adorning skyscrapers added to the energy. We took a quick walk over to the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, stopped for lunch at Dalton's Bar & Grill, and then it was time to head over to Nasdaq MarketSite to fulfill the day's special opportunity.

When we arrived at Nasdaq, we connected with CEO of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Christy Sovereign, some Special Olympics Rhode Island athletes and members of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) is to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the "Flame of Hope" into Opening Ceremonies of local competitions. The LETR crossed through New York Friday morning on the flame's journey across the country that will eventually light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony of the USA Games at the University of Minnesota on June 20.

After some mingling in the lobby of Nasdaq, we were escorted to the iconic stage for photo opportunities and given instructions on how the exciting moment would play out. Alice Zients, Director of Global Purpose and Impact at Nasdaq, opened the ceremony with some remarks, including the reminder that the Special Olympics oath – "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt" – is a true reminder that "success is not just about winning, but about showing up with courage, giving your all, and pushing forward."

Sovereign then spoke on the upcoming games and emphasized, "Together we are proving what's possible, when communities, businesses and supporters come together to truly champion inclusion and opportunity for all."

Rouse joined the athletes, 2026 Special Olympics USA Games employees and Sovereign on stage for the official bell ringing, which was accompanied by lots of cheers, waving, confetti and celebration.

"The opportunity was amazing, and it's great to shine that light on Special Olympics," Rouse said. "It gives new exposure and more eyes on people with disabilities in general, and it shows how they can do things too, just as well as anyone else can. I think it's incredible having the outreach there."

We even were fortunate enough afterwards to see the photos cycle through on the digital billboard on the Nasdaq MarketSite building.

The rest of the day in New York City included a few trips on the subway, rides on the Staten Island Ferry for a closer view of "Lady Liberty" and eating a quick bite at Chelsea Market.

Jesus Ortega, a 14-year Special Olympics athlete, noted his favorite part of the day was getting to meet Rouse. Ortega described the overall experience as "epic," saying he felt like a superstar being on a global stage with a group that feels like family.

We are under two weeks away from the start of the 2026 USA Games, where more than 3,000 individuals from across the nation will come to Minnesota to, in the words of Sovereign, "compete, connect and show the whole nation what's possible through the transformative power of sport."

The Games are sure to be engaging, inspiring and uplifting, and the Vikings are looking forward to cheering on our Special Olympics Minnesota Athletes!

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