Orlando Officially Named Host City For 2022 Special Olympics USA Games

- Michelle Snow

Special Olympics North America and Special Olympics Florida announced Orlando has been officially awarded and named the host city for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. 

At a special presentation at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World, Special Olympics North America and Special Olympics Florida announced Orlando has been officially awarded and named the host city for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.

The Games are expected to be hosted at various venues across the Orlando area including, the YMCA Aquatic Center, the U.S. Tennis Association campus in Lake Nona, Walt Disney World Resort, and Boardwalk Bowl.

Additionally, the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics Florida.

Taking place from June 5 through June 10 in 2022, more than 4,000 athletes, 10,000 volunteers, 1,500 coaches, and 75,000 fans from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will travel across the U.S. to unite and participate in one of the world’s most cherished sporting events.

Hosting the Games in the Orlando area comes with the potential to generate as much as $61 million dollars in economic impact for Central Florida.

“After a year-long bid process, we are proud that so many of our athletes, coaches, volunteers, families and fans will get to visit Florida for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games,” said Joe Dzaluk, President and CEO of 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. “The USA Games will open our hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities. This monumental endeavor will create a pivotal stage for Special Olympics and brings to light the passionate work Floridians have long been doing, including helping the outstanding athletes achieve their dreams and promote health, education, inclusion and acceptance.”

To learn more about the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, or to get involved locally, please visit Special Olympics Florida’s website at specialolympicsflorida.org.

[photo courtesy Special Olympics Florida]

About Michelle Snow

Michelle is the owner and editor of CitySurfing Orlando. She also owns Zengrrl.com, is a freelance writer specializing in travel and entertainment, has authored/co-authored four guidebooks on Orlando and Florida, and was head editor/writer at TheDisneyBlog.com for 10 years. She's lived in Orlando near Walt Disney World since 1995, and still finds there's so much fun to be had in Central Florida.
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