A special event held at the American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) South Side headquarters announced that Bethel Park High School senior Molly Mathias will represent Pennsylvania in powerlifting at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Mathias, the only female powerlifter selected from Pennsylvania, will begin training for the competition later this summer.
Mathias’s teachers, classmates, friends, and family, some of whom were present to celebrate the milestone achievement, enthusiastically cheered the announcement.
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, scheduled for June 20–26, 2026, at the University of Minnesota and other premier venues, will bring together more than 3,000 athletes and 1,500 coaches from all 50 states. The quadrennial event will highlight inclusion and ability through 16 sports and will be supported by 10,000 volunteers and an audience of 75,000 fans.
Mathias becomes the first Bethel Park student-athlete selected to compete in the prestigious sports festival. Her selection underscores her dedication and determination, and her community is eager to cheer her on as she prepares for this incredible journey. Molly was surprised with the announcement at an indoor games event hosted by Special Olympics Pennsylvania and longtime supporter Aerie Real Foundation, the charitable extension of AEO's Aerie brand.
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