The US National Special Olympics or Special Abilities Teams are comprised of the most talented cheerleaders in America living with intellectual disabilities.
USA Special Olympics and Special Abilities Cheer or Performance Cheer Teams are chosen as a group to represent the United States in international competition. All Special Olympics (SO) & Special Abilities (SA) Traditional Teams must be comprised of 100% Athletes with an Intellectual Disability (ID). All Special Olympics (SO) Unified Teams must be comprised of a 1:1 ratio of Athletes with and without an Intellectual Disability (ID). All Special Abilities (SA) Unified Teams must be comprised of 50% or more of Athletes with an Intellectual Disability (ID).
2026 SPECIAL OLYMPICS & SPECIAL ABILITIES
NATIONAL TEAM LOCATIONS
2025 ICU WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
SPECIAL OLYMPICS/ABILITIES COACHING STAFF
USA CHEER ADAPTIVE DIRECTOR • LEE TRUDELL
Lee Trudell has been in the cheer and dance industry for over 30 years as a cheerleader, camp instructor, UCA Territory Manager, Varsity Judge, USASF Credentialer, AACCA certifier, choreographer, international instructor/choreographer, and Rules Judge and contributor. He most recently contributed to a GMA3 segment on adaptive sports telecast in April 2024 (Good Morning America). Since 2017, Lee started ParaCheer Spirit nfp to provide opportunities for athletes with and without disabilities to work together, side by side, in their passion of sport. In addition to creating the visibility of what disabled athletes CAN DO, he has been instrumental in advocating for the similarity of adaptive cheer /dance, and the adaptive elements available for Level 0 through Level 4. He is currently the Special Olympics North America Advisor, Special Olympics International Committee Member, Director of Adaptive Sports for USACheer, International Cheer Union Advisor for ParaSport Cheer, and Director /Founder ParaCheer Spirit NFP. In addition, his coaching and choreography has several International and World Championships Titles. His mission is to assist programs to develop adaptive cheer /dance across the US to provide opportunities for advanced and elite athletes toward an elite athletic dream.
SPECIAL ABILITIES UNIFIED CHEER HEAD COACH • KAYLEE PELLACK
Kaylee Pellack is approaching her fifth season with the U.S. Nationals team. Currently Kaylee is the ICE Allstars Program Director and head coach for their CheerAbilities program, Blue Dynasty. She has cheered for and coached many teams to multiple championships including three ICU World Champion titles, seven USASF World Champion titles, and two Summit Champion titles in the CheerAbilities division. Kaylee loves the idea that disabilities do not define abilities and is a strong advocate for all disabled athletes. As the head coach of the Special Abilities Unified team, she is excited to continue fostering an inclusive environment for all athletes while instilling the true honor it is for our athletes to represent the red, white, and blue.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS TRADITIONAL HIP HOP & POM HEAD COACH • LISA ELBE
Lisa Elbe is in her 4th year as Head Coach of the Without Limits Special Olympics Cheer Team. She has danced since the age of three and been teaching dance for over 43 years. She was a cheerleader and competitive dance team member in middle school/high school and as a freshman in college, Lisa founded and coached the St. Louis University Dance Team. Lisa was also a professional cheerleader for the NFL St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Steamers Professional Soccer Cheerleader, as well as choreographed for the St. Louis NFL Rams Cheerleaders. After College, Lisa owned and ran a competitive dance studio for many years. Lisa continues her lifelong dance/coaching journey through her dedication to Special Olympics Cheer. Lisa had the most amazing experience of a lifetime as a USA Cheer Coach for the Special Olympics Pom and Hip Hop Division in 2024 and is beyond honored to have the opportunity again this year. Let’s Go USA Cheer!!!
SPECIAL OLYMPICS UNIFIED CHEER HEAD COACH • NIKKI REILLY
Nikki Reilly has been the Head Coach of the Elite Stars cheer program for the last three seasons. This will be her second time coaching the US Special Olympics Unified Cheer National Team. Nikki has also been involved with Illinois Special Olympic for the last three years, and she is very passionate about working with individuals with developmental and physical limitations and building a positive reputation as a team for the sport.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS UNIFIED CHEER COACH • ROBERTO CASTILLO
Roberto Castillo has been a coach for Elite Stars for the last three seasons. This is his second year coaching the US Special Olympics Unified cheer team and his first year as a head coach. He is excited to bring his 17 years of cheer experience to this organization. One of his biggest passions is being an advocate for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities and helping give them all of the opportunities he has been given. Roberto has worked in the field of intellectual disabilities for 10plus years as an advocate in sports, music, careers and everyday aspects of life for those with IDD.