Microsoft announces ‘Gaming for Inclusion’ in partnership with the Special Olympics

A new inclusive gaming initiative is being started in partnership between Microsoft and the Special Olympics. Gaming for Inclusion is said to be a global esports experience running throughout September. The event will see Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners competing in games like Rocket League, Madden NFL 22, and Forza Motorsports 7 for a chance to play alongside Special Olympic celebrity supporters such as Jayson Tatum (NBA), Jamaal Charles (NFL) and WWE Superstars.

The event will run from September 12th to 14th. This inaugural esports experience is said to “engage and connect people of all abilities from around the world.” The event will be hosted on Smash.gg and can be spectated through the Xbox Twitch channel or the Special Olympics YouTube channel. The games will be played in a bracket-style tournament with a specific schedule found below:

> 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

Gaming for Inclusion is Microsoft’s next evolution of its partnership with the Special Olympics, with groundwork starting way back in 2014. In 2018, we saw the launch of an Xbox gaming tournament hosted at the Special Olympics. The two organisations also teamed up for a 2020 Special Olympics virtual event that focussed on the effects of loneliness and isolation brought on by the pandemic, an initiative that was widely recognised and awarded.

It’s good to see this collaboration between Microsoft and the Special Olympics still thriving, and we can’t wait to tune in to watch the proceedings when they kick off on September 12.