Santiago officially launches 2027 Special Olympics World Games

Chile has officially launched the 2027 Special Olympics World Games, which will be held in Santiago from October 16 to 24, 2027. This marks the first time the event will be hosted in a Spanish-speaking country and the first time it will take place in the Southern Hemisphere.

The games are expected to host more than 6,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities representing over 170 countries across 23 different disciplines. A significant portion of the competition, including 14 sports, will utilize the Unified Sport format, where athletes with and without disabilities compete together on the same team.

Chilean authorities, including members of the Senate and various government ministers, emphasized that the event serves as a milestone for social inclusion. Officials noted that the project aims to leave a lasting legacy by improving public policies, visibility, and opportunities for people with disabilities in education, employment, and sports. The Chilean Congress is expected to play a key role in securing the necessary funding through the 2027 budget laws.