Special Olympics USA Games Hosts First-Ever Video Gaming Tournament in Partnership with Xbox

May 22, 2018 Rachel McQuiston

Today, we’re excited to announce that we will host the first-ever pilot video gaming tournament at the USA Games in Seattle in partnership with Microsoft’s Xbox gaming division.

The Xbox Gaming Tournament at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will take place on Monday, July 2, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the Lyceum room in the University of Washington Husky Union Building.

Microsoft has partnered with Special Olympics since 2014, and shares our belief that individuals, organizations, and communities are stronger when everyone can contribute their talents and skills. Microsoft is the Premier Partner of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games.

“At Microsoft, we believe that gaming is for everyone so we’re proud to pilot the first gaming tournament at the Special Olympics USA Games this summer” said Phil Spencer, head of gaming at Microsoft. “Competitive video gaming is enjoyed by players around the world, and our goal with this pilot tournament is to challenge biases and breakdown barriers while providing an empowering and fun experience for all players.”

Last month, qualifier events were held at Microsoft stores across the country to select eight Unified teams to compete in the 2018 USA Games. A Unified team consists of an athlete with and an athlete without an intellectual disability. The eight teams will play “Forza Motorsport 7,” a popular racing video game published by Microsoft Studios.

“Many of our athletes are avid gamers and research indicates playing video games can potentially boost cognitive and motor skills of people with intellectual disabilities,” said Beth Knox, President and CEO of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games. “We are thrilled to partner with Xbox to bring the first-ever video gaming tournament to the USA Games. We hope everyone will come out and support the competitors in this pilot event.”

Additionally, Microsoft will feature Xbox gaming stations in the 2018 USA Games Fan Zone where fans can play games such as “Forza Motorsport 7,” “Minecraft” and “Super Lucky’s Tale.” The Fan Zone will be in the Northwest Plaza at Husky Stadium and will be open all week to the general public.

Join us on July 2 and cheer on the athletes at the Xbox Gaming Tournament at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games!

#ImAGameChanger - Sarah Cline

May 16, 2018 Rachel McQuiston

By: USA Games correspondent, tynan gable

This week’s nominee for the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games #ImAGameChanger campaign exemplifies how quickly the spirit of inclusion can spread. Sarah Cline is an Accenture employee who has directly contributed to changing the nationwide culture of her beloved company.

Sarah’s primary job at the Austin, Texas office of Accenture is not what makes her stand out among her colleagues. Ihlae (eye-luh) Kling, who works in marketing at Accenture's Seattle office, has had the pleasure of feeling the positive impacts Sarah’s efforts have made in a short four years, even though she is hundreds of miles away.

#ImAGameChanger - Paul Brooks

May 9, 2018 Rachel McQuiston

By: USA Games Correspondent, Tynan Gable

The goal of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games #ImAGameChanger campaign is to highlight the quiet heroes who promote inclusion in all that they do. This week’s nominee is no different; he strives every day to break down barriers that he and others with disabilities face.

Paul Brooks is a 24-year-old man with autism who is currently living with his mother, Celeste Brooks, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is known for his ability to talk about the challenges he faces as a person with an intellectual disability (ID).

Port of Seattle, King County Metro and Sound Transit Announce Support for 2018 Special Olympics USA Games

May 9, 2018 Rachel McQuiston

WITH KICK OFF TO 2018 USA GAMES LESS THAN 60 DAYS AWAY, PUBLIC AGENCIES GEAR UP TO SUPPORT SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES, COACHES, FAMILIES AND FANS

SEATTLE – May 9, 2018 – At a press conference held today at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games announced partnerships with the Port of Seattle, King County Metro and Sound Transit. From event operations assistance to providing public transportation options that promote the 2018 USA Games’ sustainability initiatives, the public agencies have pledged unprecedented support for the 2018 USA Games and the tens of thousands of athletes, coaches, family members and fans expected to visit Seattle in July.