The Coca-Cola Sun Games, benefiting Special Olympics Arizona, will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at the Sun Devil Fitness Complex, at Arizona State University, Tempe Campus.
The Sun Games will be a Unified competition that pairs individuals with and without intellectual disabilities to compete together on the same team at 8 basketball themed stations. Each of the teams will consist of 1 Special Olympics Arizona athlete, 1 special guest/community member, and 2 participants from a sponsor organization.
The event gives individuals the opportunity to have an interactive experience with Special Olympics Arizona athletes in a fun, safe, and competitive environment. The benefits of the Sun Games are endless for both the Special Olympic Arizona athletes and their teammates from the community. It allows Special Olympic athletes to gain higher-level sports skills while experiencing meaningful inclusion by playing a valued role on a team. This event changes people’s attitudes about people with disabilities and fosters lasting friendships!
The Sun Games will also feature art work by ELIAS JADE NOT AFRAID. To celebrate the spirit of community and culture surrounding this event, Special Olympics Arizona is proud to highlight the work of Elias Jade Not Afraid, the acclaimed bead artist behind the Rez Geometry: A Court of Nations Coca‑Cola Sun Deck Basketball Court at ASU’s Mountain America Stadium. About the Artist: Elias Jade Not Afraid (34) is a self‑taught bead artist and a member of the Crow Nation from Lodge Grass, Montana. He began beading at age 12 and has since mastered numerous techniques, earning national and international recognition. About the Court Design: Not Afraid’s design for the Rez Geometry: A Court of Nations Coca‑Cola Sun Deck Basketball Court incorporates Indigenous geometric patterns inspired by mountains (four peaks), rivers, basket and rug designs shared across tribes. He describes the design as a reflection of Arizona’s landscape and Indigenous heritage, rooted in his childhood memories of playing “rez ball” with his cousins.
The Sun Games will also feature special guests, ASU Women’s Basketball Head Coach, Molly Miller, and former Arizona Cardinals place kicker, Jay Feely.
