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

17TH ANNUAL BARE ASPEN WINE AND BEER TASTING TO BENEFIT SPECIAL OLYMPICS ARIZONA SET FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 IN FLAGSTAFF

SOAZ to host 17th Annual Bare Aspen Wine and Beer tasting event, Saturday, Sept. 14 in Flagstaff. ...Read Article
In The News

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ARIZONA TO HOST 2024 STATE SUMMER GAMES PRESENTED BY SPARKLIGHT, APRIL 25-27 AT KELLIS HIGH SCHOOL

Join us at Kellis High School for the 2024 SOAZ Summer Games, April 25-27....Read Article
In The Community

NAU football partners with Special Olympics Arizona for ‘2024 Victory Day’

The NAU football team hosted SOAZ athletes during spring practice for a day of football fun...Read Article
In The Community

MERCY CARE NAMED PRESENTING SPONSOR OF SPECIAL OLYLMPICS ARIZONA’S HEALTHY ATHLETES PROGRAM FOR 2024 STATE SUMMER GAMES

Mercy Care will once again sponsor Healthy Athletes programming at SOAZ's 2025 State Summer Games, April 25-27....Read Article
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 Article
USA Games

ESPN SHARES AMY BOCKERSTETTE’S INSPIRATIONAL STORY

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