Champion Games 2026 Brings Adaptive Sports, Celebrities and Community Together in Detroit

DETROIT — Olympians, professional athletes, entertainers, community leaders and members of the adaptive sports community gathered at Chandler Park Fieldhouse on August 29–30 for Champion Games 2026, presented by the Moe Norris Foundation.

The two-day event combined adaptive and youth sports, celebrity competitions, live entertainment, speakers, vendors and community resources. Athletes, performers, organizations and vendors traveled to Detroit to participate alongside members of the local community.

For some families, the weekend also marked their first-ever introduction to adaptive sports.

Adaptive and Professional Sports Come Together

Champion Games gave children and families the opportunity to experience adaptive sports firsthand while connecting with athletes, coaches and organizations from the adaptive sports community.

The weekend also welcomed Olympians, professional athletes and NFL talent. Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph was among the featured guests, alongside Olympic track star Jadin Blackwell, former NBA Detroit piston Lindsey Hunter, professional wheelchair basketball player Matt Scott and a mix of local and national celebrities, athletes and sports personalities.

Celebrity basketball and football added to the weekend, bringing athletes, entertainers and members of the community together on the court and field.

Entertainment, Speakers and Special Guests

Sports were only part of the weekend. Rappers, musicians, streamers, community representatives, business owners and entertainers took part in performances, activities and conversations throughout Champion Games.

Morice “Moe” Norris and KD Hill were among the featured speakers, joining community leaders and representatives from the adaptive sports community to share their experiences with attendees.

Several athletes, performers, vendors and organizations traveled to Detroit specifically for the event, including pianist Miloz Gasior, who performed during the weekend.

Families Find a New Community Through Adaptive Sports

For some families, Champion Games opened the door to a community they had never experienced before.

One parent shared that her daughter, Moriah, was able to participate in adaptive activities, meet Detroit Lions players and local personalities, and spend the day in an environment where she felt welcomed regardless of her physical disability.

“Moriah was able to…have fun in [an] adaptive community which accepts her no matter what her physical disabilities may be.”

She described the experience simply:

“This was fun!!! This was exciting!!! This was an acceptable atmosphere and we enjoyed every moment of it.”

But the impact went beyond the activities themselves.

“It encouraged her, it gave her the motivation to keep going, and we are forever grateful for today.”

For families like Moriah’s, Champion Games provided an introduction to adaptive sports, new friendships and a community they can continue to be part of beyond the weekend.

1,000 Backpacks Given to the Community

Champion Games also provided direct support to Detroit families, with 1,000 backpacks given away to the community during the weekend.

Families were also able to connect with vendors, nonprofits and organizations offering resources and programming throughout Chandler Park Fieldhouse. They received food, giveaway prizes, free haircuts, and more.

The combination of sports, entertainment and community resources helped make Champion Games more than a traditional sporting event, creating a place for families to compete, connect and discover new communities and opportunities.

Sponsors and Partners Help Bring Champion Games to Life

Champion Games 2026 was made possible with support from sponsors, partners, vendors and community organizations that contributed resources, programming and support throughout the weekend.

2026 Champion Games sponsors and partners included:
Presenting Partners: Chew Chewy Entertainment and Elite Access Youth
Sponsors: Little Ceasars, West 2 East Luxury, Olympia Skate Shop, iFix Detroit
Community Partners: University of Michigan, Henry Ford Health
Vendors: Wayne State University, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Afshe Heritage,

Their support helped make the weekend accessible to families while providing everything from sports and entertainment experiences to community resources and the distribution of 1,000 backpacks.

Organizations from both Detroit and outside Michigan participated, bringing together businesses, nonprofits and adaptive sports organizations around the event's mission.

Looking Ahead

Champion Games 2026 brought together people from across sports, entertainment, business and the adaptive sports community for two days in Detroit.

For the Moe Norris Foundation, the event also created new relationships with athletes, families, organizations and partners that can continue beyond the weekend.

The foundation plans to build on this year's Champion Games through annual events, partnerships and community programming.

About the Moe Norris Foundation

Founded by former Detroit Lions player Morice “Moe” Norris, the Moe Norris Foundation supports individuals with disabilities and underserved communities through sports, education and community programming nation wide.