The relationship between Microsoft and Special Olympics has been fostered for many years now. This began in 2014 through working to empower athletes and programs through technology, followed in 2018 by hosting the Xbox Gaming Tournament. With COVID-19 meaning that in-person events were not all that possible, they teamed up again last year for a dedicated Virtual Gaming Event. Now in 2021, they are taking their partnership to a new level by hosting the inaugural Gaming for Inclusion esports event.
From September 12-14, Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners will compete in Rocket League, Madden NFL 22, and Forza Motorsport 7 on Xbox for the chance to play alongside celebrity supporters of Special Olympics, including NBA superstar Jayson Tatum, NFL legend Jamaal Charles, and WWE Superstars on September 18.
All gaming competition will be hosted through Microsoft’s esports platform Smash.gg via a bracket-style tournament that will crown champions for each title. Spectators can live stream the events on the Xbox Twitch channel and the Special Olympics YouTube channel:
Sunday, September 12: Rocket League Tournament
Monday, September 13: Forza Motorsport 7 Tournament
Tuesday, September 14: Madden NFL 22 Tournament
Saturday, September 18: Celebrity Showcase with winners from tournaments earlier in the week
After the inaugural event, Special Olympics Programs will have training on how to set up local tournaments through Smash.gg, allowing for year-round gaming practice and competition in preparation for the next Gaming for Inclusion experience in 2022.
COVID-19 and the suspension hundreds of thousands of annual in-person events worldwide meant Special Olympics had to pivot to supporting virtual experiences.
Our digital transformation partners at Microsoft brought their expertise in developing scalable and accessible digital platforms that allow people of all abilities to build connections with others through the universal language of gaming. Together, we’ve shaped an innovative program that will last well beyond the pandemic.
Prianka Nandy – Chief Information and Technology Officer at Special Olympics
We’re ecstatic to build upon Microsoft’s partnership with Special Olympics, which first began in 2014, to further focus on gaming and host Gaming for Inclusion.
At Xbox, our goal is to make gaming inclusive and welcoming to all players so that everyone can experience the joys of gaming. This tournament is a meaningful and important step in making esports more accessible and it empowers Special Olympics athletes with a new way to compete
Jenn Panattoni – Head of Xbox Social Impact
