Back in 2014, Microsoft and Special Olympics have been teaming up to empower Special Olympics athletes through technology, evolving throughout the years and now including a yearly Gaming for Inclusion tournament presented by Special Olympics, Microsoft, and Xbox. Xbox and Special Olympics have revealed the plans for the new phase of the ongoing partnership. This year’s Gaming for Inclusion event is set for November and will include a mix of virtual and in-person events – all of which will be streamed for players and supporters to watch and join in on the fun.
The tournament will take place on November 11, 2023, where Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners will compete virtually in Rocket League for a chance to play alongside celebrity supporters of Special Olympics, including NFL athletes and WWE Superstars. This will a in-person and livestreamed event that’ll take place in Los Angeles, CA the following week on November 18, 2023.
Late last month, Xbox hosted three Special Olympics athletes at the Microsoft Experience Center to train as a shoutcaster, the esports equivalent of a sportscaster, someone who calls out the action in a game, breaking down what’s happening, providing analysis, etc… Through improv sessions, guest speakers, and more, the athletes developed their commentating skills. They will be putting what they learned on display by shoutcasting the November Gaming for Inclusion tournament.
“Xbox is honored to further our commitment to create inclusive gaming experiences for everyone by partnering with Special Olympics as they bring the Gaming for Inclusion esports tournament to life again this year,” says Jenn Panattoni, Head of Xbox Social Impact. “Xbox works year-round to bring intentional, inclusive practices and accessible features to everything we do—but the Gaming for Inclusion tournament provides a moment for us, along with the Special Olympics communities, to remember what gaming is all about: play.”
“We are thrilled that for the third year in a row Xbox and Microsoft are bringing our athletes and Unified partners together for Gaming for Inclusion. Our goal is to digitize the movement for our athletes by removing barriers and expanding our reach through digital technology. Gaming for Inclusion is a powerful example of how organizations can come together to leverage their unique strengths to meet an urgent need and provide critical platforms for people with intellectual disabilities. While oftentimes esports and gaming is a faceless activity, events like Gaming for Inclusion is innovative by showing the world that people with intellectual disabilities are leading the way when given the opportunity,” reflects Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics Inc.
Those interested can watch the tournament on the official Xbox Twitch channel. Microsoft Reward members in the United States and the United Kingdom can earn and donate points to organizations supporting people in the gaming and disability community with Xbox. These organizations will be featured on console throughout October:
- Special Effect – transforms the lives of physically disabled people across the world through the innovative use of technology. At the heart of their work is their mission to maximize fun and quality of life by helping people control video games to the best of their abilities. (UK)
- Warfighter Engaged – mission is to improve the lives of severely wounded and disabled warfighters through custom adapted devices. They modify video game controllers, make prosthetic enhancements, recreational and other novel devices for greater independence. All adapted items are provided at no cost to the warfighter. (US)
- AbleGamers – creates opportunities that enable play in order to combat social isolation, foster inclusive communities, and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. (US)