Xbox, Special Olympics partner for Gaming for Inclusion Esports tourney

Excellent.

Xbox and the Special Olympics have partnered for a Gaming for Inclusion Esports tournament that will run over September 2021.

Running between 13-15 September in Australia, the tournament will feature Special Olympians and Unified partners as they compete in Rocket League, Madden NFL 22 and Forza Motorsport 7. A fourth day, on 19 September, will feature tournament winners alongside celebrities for a final set of battles.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect, and when:

• 13 September: Rocket League
• 14 September: Forza Motorsport 7
• 15 September: Madden NFL 22
• 19 September: Celebrity Showcase with winners from tournaments earlier in the week

All matches will be livestreamed on Xbox’s Twitch channel and the Special Olympics’ YouTube channel.

“COVID-19 and the suspension hundreds of thousands of annual in-person events worldwide meant Special Olympics had to pivot to supporting virtual experiences,” said Special Olympics’ Chief Information and Technology Officer Prianka Nandy. “Our digital transformation partners at Microsoft brought their expertise in developing scalable and accessible digital platforms that allow people of all abilities to build connections with others through the universal language of gaming. Together, we’ve shaped an innovative program that will last well beyond the pandemic.”

“We’re ecstatic to build upon Microsoft’s partnership with Special Olympics, which first began in 2014, to further focus on gaming and host Gaming for Inclusion,” added Jenn Panattoni, head of Xbox social impact. “At Xbox, our goal is to make gaming inclusive and welcoming to all players so that everyone can experience the joys of gaming. This tournament is a meaningful and important step in making esports more accessible and it empowers Special Olympics athletes with a new way to compete.”

Good luck to all those competing!