Special Olympics and Xbox Unite for Inclusive Gaming

At Xbox, we believe play can foster connection and empathy, unlock potential, and create unforgettable moments of joy for everyone. Since 2014, Xbox and Microsoft have proudly partnered with Special Olympics to empower athletes of all abilities through technology and gaming.

Our journey began with a shared vision: to break down barriers and make sure every player gets in the game, whether on the field or in the virtual world. Over the years, our collaboration has grown to include the annual Gaming for Inclusion event, an esports tournament where Special Olympics athletes and their Unified partners compete for a chance to play in front of a global gaming audience.

These events not only show the top-notch gaming skills of the athletes, but also the transformative potential of gaming to bring people together and empower individuals with intellectual disabilities. From build challenges in Minecraft Education to fierce Rocket League competitions, each milestone has celebrated ability, teamwork, and the spirit of play. We’ve hosted athletes at Xbox Headquarters, provided shoutcaster training, and continually sought new ways to make the gaming industry more accessible for people with intellectual disabilities.

Gaming for Inclusion Celebrity Showcase 2025 Airing Next Week

We’re thrilled to announce that the Gaming for Inclusion Celebrity Showcase 2025 will air next week, on October 14 at 10am Pacific on the Xbox Twitch channel.

This broadcast will feature highlights from the recently completed athlete tournament, where Special Olympics athletes and their Unified partners brought energy, skill, and teamwork to the Rocket League arena. Viewers of the Celebrity Showcase can get excited for live Rocket League gameplay, inspiring conversation and guest appearances by some of your favorite gaming creators and celebrity supporters.

Whether you’re a fan of gaming or a supporter of Special Olympics, you won’t want to miss the action, the stories, and the community spirit on display. Save the date and invite your friends and family to celebrate these incredible athletes as we power up for an inclusive future in gaming!

How to Watch:

Tune in to the Xbox Twitch channel on October 14 at 10am Pacific for the Gaming for Inclusion Celebrity Showcase 2025! This stream is also available on the XboxASL Twitch channel.

The showcase will air on Special Olympics’ YouTube immediately following the Xbox event.

Xbox Game Camp Welcomes Special Olympics Athletes for an Immersive Learning Experience

This summer, we took our partnership a step further by welcoming nine Special Olympics athletes to a bespoke Xbox Game Camp—a behind-the-scenes experience on our Redmond campus designed to inspire career ambitions in the world of gaming and technology.

During Xbox Game Camp, Special Olympics athletes experienced two days of immersive learning, exploring accessibility innovations, building professional skills, and engaging in coding and game development activities guided by industry experts. Memorable moments included interactive workshops, meetings with Xbox leadership, and behind-the-scenes tours of Mojang Studios and Halo Studios, all designed to empower Special Olympics athletes within the gaming community.

From hands-on learning to unforgettable conversations, Xbox Game Camp 2025 was a testament to the power of inclusion and the limitless potential of every athlete.

For more on the camp’s highlights and impact, read the deep dive recap on the Microsoft Game Dev blog.

Support Special Olympics and Inclusive Gaming

At Xbox, we’re proud to stand with Special Olympics in championing inclusion, accessibility, and the transformative power of play. Want to get involved? Visit Special Olympics to learn more about their programs and ways to support their mission.

Rewards members in select markets can donate points to Special Olympics and help advance this important work.

Let’s continue to build a world where everyone can play, compete, and belong. We’ll see you next week at the 2025 Gaming for Inclusion Celebrity Showcase!