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Walt Disney World in Orlando to Host 2022 Special Olympics USA Games

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“The Most Magical Place on Earth” is about to get a bit more star power. Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, announced on Thursday it will host the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games from June 5-11, 2022.

Held every four years in the United States, the 2022 Special Olympics will take place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. According to a press release, the games will include 16 different sports and bring more than 4,000 talented athletes to the competition. The last U.S. games were held in 2018 in Seattle.

The Special Olympics started in 1968 to provide sports and training opportunities to people with disabilities around the globe. Since then, it has nurtured the athletic careers of more than 5 million people across thousands of events each year. In addition to hosting a U.S. version of the games every four years, the Special Olympics hosts world games alternating summer and winter games every two years.

For the 2022 Special Olympics, a select group of nine athletes from across the United States took part in designing the logo for the first time. Orlando was announced as the host city in 2018.

“Special Olympics athletes provide inspiration to millions of people around the world,” Rena Langley, senior vice president, Walt Disney World public affairs and communications, said in a press release. “The commitment, dedication and leadership skills it takes to compete at this level is an incredible accomplishment and we are honored to be the presenting partner of the volunteer program and host of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.”

Header image via Special Olympic USA Games

Originally published: August 20, 2019
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