Right on Target: Janeel Denson-Byers’ Journey to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
Janeel Denson-Byers' lines up, sandbag in hand, for another throw at her familiar gymnasium in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
It's her weekly practice session with the same coaches who first saw her potential in cornhole and encouraged her to try the sport over a year ago.
As she focuses on the board, the gymnasium light catches her fresh pink, bejeweled manicure. It's a small detail, but for Janeel, it means more.
"I actually think having these nails helps—because it represents me!" she said.
This June, Janeel will take her confidence and enthusiasm to the biggest stage of her athletic career thus far: the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, just an hour from her home.
Discovering Cornhole
Originally from Boston, Janeel spent seven years in the foster care system before her adoption and relocation to Minnesota.
"When I was younger, I was told that I wouldn't play sports because I had disabilities and that really brought me down," she shared. "But going out, doing sports, including cornhole, and meeting supportive people has really brought me a safe place."
She started as a floor hockey player, but her coaches saw potential for her to branch out. When they created a cornhole team last year, they encouraged Janeel to give it a try.
Janeel admits she had to adapt. Cornhole demanded a completely different approach from floor hockey—a shift from reactive play to patient focus.
"Cornhole was not like anything I was already used to,” she said. “Many people think it’s just a backyard sport, but it’s not just for parties and barbecues. It really takes time and effort to get good.”
Her dedication paid off. At a recent cornhole tournament, Janeel thought she'd performed poorly....
"I guess I didn't because I made it to the Olympics!" she laughed.
The qualifying moment came during last year's competition when her team was trailing behind tough competition. Janeel stepped up and sank two bags in the hole to clinch the win.
Competing at Home
For Janeel, the upcoming Games carries special significance. It's her first USA Games and she gets to do it in her home state.
The Special Olympics community has given her something uniquely powerful: connection with others who understand her journey.
"Not everyone with special needs or disabilities likes to join a sport because they don't feel like they have a space to join," she said. "It brings me peace knowing that I have competitors like me. We can get along and be friends."
As Janeel prepares for her first USA Games, managing the nerves that come with competition, she has a message for other athletes:
"You just have to try your hardest and put your mind to it. You may not think you're the best…but you are.”
With her coaches, family, and friends up in the stands, she is ready to show what she can do and, of course, with another fresh manicure.
FanDuel is proud to sponsor the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and share the stories of athletes like Janeel.
