[utube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni3P6fHjA2c”]
Ubisoft and the team at Special Olympics have today kicked off the first of what could be an annual Just Dance Challenge, which is set to be a global online fundraising challenge to get the public up and dancing to raise awareness and funds for the organization. The launch of this partnership comes on the heels of the Special Olympics’ decision to engage with the video game industry to help spread its message of inclusion.
The three-month campaign, which runs from November 2014 through January 31, 2015, encourages participants to raise donations through peer-to-peer fundraising and social media. While there are multiple ways to participate, the core theme of the Just Dance Challenge revolves around playing the Just Dance videogame with friends, family and/or community. Participation is open to anyone around the world and the public can register and learn more at the Special Olympics E-Sport Website.
In order to support the cause, popular Youtubers such as Ian and Anthony from Smosh, and musicians whose work was featured in Just Dance 2015 including Maroon 5, Jessie J, Charli XCX, Nicole Scherzinger and more and lending their support through a number of means – including the above promotional trailer.Nicole Scherzinger | International Singer and Personality
I’m thrilled that my music can be part of the Just Dance Challenge for Special Olympics. As a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics, I’ve seen first-hand, around the world, the transformative power of Special Olympics, and I’m thrilled that millions of people will have the opportunity to help them in their wonderful work – and to do it by dancing!
Jessie J | Singer and Song Writer
It’s incredible and also humbling that my music can make a difference and drive awareness for Special Olympics through the Just Dance Challenge. I’ve always strived to write songs and create music that pushes a message of inclusiveness, soon a personal level I’m really excited to see people from around the world dance to my songs and commit to raise funds for such a good cause!”
Charli XCX | Singer and Song Writer
Obviously music and dance go hand and hand- it’s inspiring, plus it’s how I like to party! I couldn’t be happier about lending my support to the Just Dance Challenge for Special Olympics and getting people up dancing and motivated for this important campaign.
Peter Wheeler | Chief Strategic Properties for Special Olympics
We’re thrilled to team up with Ubisoft and its mega-popular Just Dance franchise—dance is the symbolic celebration of joy and a perfect fit for our athletes. Special Olympics primarily brings people together through sports, and offering the first-ever Just Dance Challenge allows us to further spread our message of inclusion, diversity and empowerment through music, dance and gaming while at the same time, raising funds for Special Olympics.
Tony Key | Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Ubisoft
We’re dedicated to making the Just Dance Challenge a phenomenal success and ultimately helping to drive Special Olympics forward with its message of diversity and empowerment. Just Dance has millions of fans worldwide; the game’s core DNA revolves around accessibility for everyone and above all, providing a fun game experience for players at every level. We’re proud to bring the world’s most popular music and dance game to this important global movement.
