The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, Experience Kissimmee, Osceola County, and Walt Disney World Resort made the announcement Tuesday during the USA Games’ Heads of Delegation Conference at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Disney sports complex, which has hosted numerous major sporting events in its nearly 25-year history, will be one of the sites of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, which will take place June 5-12, 2022, in Orlando.
“Hosting the USA Games’ Heads of Delegation Conference and being able to announce that Disney Live Entertainment will be producing the Opening Ceremony represents the USA Games’ commitment to ensuring all attending athletes have a life-changing experience when they come down in June,” said Joe Dzaluk, President and CEO of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.
Disney’s involvement in the USA Games is part of a two-year collaboration between Disney Live Entertainment and 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, and deepens Disney’s relationship with Special Olympics, which stages multiple state and local events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
“It’s really exciting to host these special Olympians, and with each event, we’ll see the spirit of the games on display as each individual athlete finds their potential,” said Osceola County Commissioner for District 2. “The spirit of this event is something that will touch many hearts in coming days, and I’m so proud that Osceola County is a host to all these memories in the making.”
The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games Opening Ceremony, which will take place at Exploria Stadium in Orlando in June, is expected to showcase the legendary entertainment, sprinkled with a little magic, that is synonymous with Disney Live Entertainment.
“There are sure to be magical surprises, rousing dance numbers, audience participation, and beautiful heartfelt moments when Disney is on hand to help the USA Games ‘Shine as One,’” said Tom Vazzana, Creative Director for Disney Live Entertainment.
Special Olympics Florida athletes, brothers Matthew and Ryan Letcher, will be competing at the USA Games, Matthew in Basketball and Ryan in Swimming. They are looking forward to competing in their home state for Team Florida.
“With Kissimmee being such an accessible destination for visitors of all abilities, there is no better place to host this delegation event,” said DT Minich, President/CEO of Experience Kissimmee – the tourism authority for Osceola County, Florida. “We are so excited to welcome athletes, coaches, and all Special Olympics representatives to Florida for the USA Games in June.”
To learn more about the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games visit www.2022USAGames.org. Follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
