Microsoft and Special Olympics began working together since 2014 with the common goal of empowering Special Olympics athletes through technology. It’s evident that Microsoft leads the gaming industry in accessibility They are really stepping up and making sure that awareness and inclusion takes place for players of all kinds, no matter what. Microsoft was awarded the Corporate Community Impact Award at the 2021 Sports Humanitarian Awards.
When did Xbox begin a partnership with the Special Olympics?
In 2018, Xbox began a partnership to host the Xbox Gaming Tournament with Special Olympics USA Games, which was a first in competitive video gaming. Move ahead 2020 where Microsoft and the Special Olympics partnered for the 2020 Special Olympics Xbox Virtual Gaming Event. Now in 2021, they will be launching the Xbox Virtual Event for Gaming for Inclusion, the first esports experience.
“COVID-19 and the suspension hundreds of thousands of annual in-person events worldwide meant Special Olympics had to pivot to supporting virtual experiences,” said Prianka Nandy, Chief Information and Technology Officer at Special Olympics. “
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.”
2020 Special Olympics – Xbox Virtual Gaming Event
What is the Xbox Virtual Event for Gaming Inclusion?
This is the next evolution to the Xbox Virtual Gaming Event, which was hosted in May 2020. The Special Olympics and Microsoft teamed up to host a virtual esports competition to help negate the isolation and loneliness caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
From September 12th – 14th, 2021 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partner athletes will compete in the following games on Xbox:
- Rocket League
- Madden NFL 22
- Forza Motorsport 7
Celebrity supporters of Special Olympics such as Jayson Tatum (NBA superstar), Jamaal Charles (NFL legend) and WWE Superstars will be around on September 18th.
Microsoft and Special Olympics have teamed up to host the first Gaming for Inclusion esports event to show the power of gaming for inclusion. The multi-day virtual esports tournament, which will be played in multiple games over several days, will connect and engage people from all walks of life.
Microsoft’s esports platform Smash.gg will host the full competition. The tournament will feature a bracket format which will result in champions. The events can be streamed live on the Xbox Twitch channel or the Special Olympics YouTube channel.
- Sunday, September 12, 2012: League Tournament
- Monday, September 13: Forza Motorsport 7 Tournament
- Tuesday, September 14: Madden NFL 22 Tournament
- Saturday, September 18, 2018: Celebrity Showcase featuring winners from earlier tournaments
Special Olympics Programs will receive training in how to host local tournaments via Smash.gg. This will allow for year-round gaming practice, competition, and preparation for the next Gaming for Inclusion event in 2022.
Microsoft and @SpecialOlympics are teaming up to host the inaugural Gaming for Inclusion esports experience to showcase the power of inclusion through gaming. Learn more: https://t.co/pi4NpwwNeV
— Xbox Wire (@XboxWire) August 10, 2021