World Games

THE WORLD IS WATCHING

At the heart of every athlete is determination and the desire to achieve, win, represent their country with pride and joy and perform their best in a sport they love an equality that exists among all athletes. With each World Games, more hearts and minds are opened towards people with intellectual disabilities.

The World Games are flagship events for the Special Olympics Movement. They take place every two years and alternate between Summer and Winter Games. The Games can be the world’s largest sporting event of the year. Thousands of athletes, coaches, volunteers and supporters attend to see and cheer the skills and accomplishments of people with intellectual disabilities.

A LOOK BACK AT THE 2019 WORLD GAMES

The Special Olympics World Games 2019 was hosted in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in March 2019 for the first time in the Middle East North Africa since the movement’s founding over 50 years ago. The Crown Prince Court led the winning bid efforts with a mission to promote positive social change for people with intellectual disabilities and create a more inclusive society.

The Special Olympics World Games 2019 drew 7,500 athletes from 190+ countries to participate in 24 Olympic Sports.
For more information, please visit: https://www.abudhabi2019.org/

ARIZONA - USA TEAM

Mary Roberts
Emory Russell
David Williams
Conner Smith
Joseph Summers
Sawne Rippey
Tasha Crofton
Marino Cuen
Thomas Miranda
Sam Bryner
Anthony White
Ryan Betcher
Jeffery Anthony

Special Olympics Arizona News

In The News

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Samit Bhalala is the latest appointee to the SOAZ Board of Directors, who play an integral role in the growth of SOAZ...Read This Post

In The News

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ARIZONA TO CELEBRATE AND HONOR ATHLETES AT FIRST-EVER ALL-IN(CLUSIVE) NIGHT AT FOOTPRINT CENTER

SOAZ is inviting all of its supporters to its first-ever All-In(clusive) Night, Friday, Oct. 6 at Footprint Center....Read This Post

In The Community

Domino’s Fundraising Day to benefit Special Olympics Arizona – Tuesday, June 20

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 20, for a chance to support Special Olympics Arizona by eating pizza!...Read This Post

In The Community

Special Olympics Athletes Model for VOGUE Germany

Special Olympics athletes Heidi Kuder, Natascha Wermelskirchen and Tamara Röske are featured in the June issue of VOGUE ...Read This Post

USA Games

CHRISTOPHER DYKE AND SOAZ’S UNIFIED FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM HAS EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME

Team SOAZ's mantra is “everywhere we go, we go together,” and because of the USA Games, they are now closer than ever....Read This Post

USA Games

ESPN SHARES AMY BOCKERSTETTE’S INSPIRATIONAL STORY

ESPN featured SOAZ's Amy Bockerstette and her story of inspiration ...Read This Post

Accessibility