USA & World Games

In addition to the sports competitions in Massachusetts, Special Olympics Massachusetts athletes have the opportunity to compete on the national and international stages. Every two years a World Games is held – alternating between summer and winter games. Every four years USA Games showcases spring, summer and fall sports. To qualify for a USA or World Games team, athletes must earn a medal in a state level competition among other application requirements. Applications for USA and World Games will be made available at the beginning of the selection process.

If you are a member of the press and would like any information or to contact any athletes, please contact charles.hirsch@specialolympicsma.org. When available, additional media information can be found below.

2023 World Summer Games

The next World Summer Games will take place June 11 – 25, 2023 in Berlin Germany -the first time that Germany has hosted the Games! Special Olympics World Games are the world’s largest inclusive sports event. Thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities compete together in 24 summer sports and Unified Sports® competitions. The city of Berlin is looking forward to a colorful international festival of sports – with the aim of achieving greater recognition and social participation of people with intellectual disabilities in our society.

2022 USA Games

The USA Games will be held in 2022 from June 5-12 in Orlando, Florida. Special Olympics Massachusetts will send a delegation of 61 athletes and Unified partners and 21 coaches to participate. The games showcase the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities and promote the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport.

Athlete, Team and Coach Applications are currently being accepted for all sports listed below:

Individual Sports

10 pin Bowling (2 Female, 2 Male)
Bocce (1 Female, 1 Male)
Swimming (2 Female, 2 Male)
Track & field (2 Female, 2 Male)

Team Sports

Basketball (Unified, Interscholastic)
Flag Football (Unified)
Softball (Unified)
Soccer (Traditional)

Apply Today

View our 2022 USA Games Frequently Asked Questions Page

2022 World Winter Games

The next World Winter Games will take place in February 2-13 2022 in Kazan, Russia.

Special Olympics Massachusetts has received three Alpine Slots (2 female & 1 male) for 2022 Games and has nominated three athletes to SO USA for consideration. The athletes will not be officially selected to SO USA delegation until spring of 2021.

2019 World Summer Games