The Special Olympics are a celebration of athletic excellence for those with intellectual disabilities. A world-class event with an inspiring motto of "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt", Special Olympics Australia are bidding to have the World Games hosted right here in Perth in 2027. Never before hosted in the Southern Hemisphere, this is a perfect opportunity to inspire athletes with intellectual disabilities and showcase all of the amazing things WA has to offer.
Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors, has asked directly that the games be held in Perth, stating: “Perth has a wide range of World Class venues and facilities ready to host the World Games. Venues like Optus Stadium, HBF Park and HBF Stadium have all hosted major events and require no further investment to bring this event to life. Perth also boasts the most hours of sunshine of any Australian capital city, the iconic Swan River with its black swans and magnificent white sandy beaches, all of which present an endless array of opportunities for indoor and outdoor sports.”
Hosting 26+ competition sports including Aussie mainstay AFL, the World Games will provide the opportunity for athletes of all disciplines to partake. Special Olympics Australia will also provide 18,000+ health screenings across podiatry, audiology, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, healthy living and mental wellbeing as part of the Healthy Athletes® program. There will also be a focus on building a unified generation through Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® and Special Olympics Unified Sports® for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Here's how you can get involved and help bring the Special Olympics to WA
PARTNER
For larger organisations and local governments, partnering and offering support can help to bring the World Games to Perth.
CHEER
Supporters, family, friends and everyone in between are encouraged to cheer for and support our athletes who'll compete on the world stage at the World Games.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteer options will become available for Special Olympics Australia - for more information, click here.
CARE
Special Olympics Australia has developed specialised training for health professionals to aid in caring for people with intellectual disabilities.
GIVE
Every little bit helps when it comes to bidding for this amazing event to happen in Perth - and any donation is greatly appreciated, whether corporate, personal, or philanthropic.
COMPETE
Aspiring athletes are encouraged to reach their full potential and compete in the Special Olympics. If you are an aspiring Perth athlete with an ID, or if you know someone who needs the opportunity for their talents to shine, read on to find out how to be a part of the Special Olympics.
If you want to make a difference and support Special Olympics Australia in bidding to bring the World Games to Perth, click here to find out more.