[San Juan, Puerto Rico - 4 December 2025] The wait is almost over. This week, Puerto Rico will make history as it welcomes basketball players from around the world to the first-ever Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup, a global celebration of sport, inclusion, and equality, taking place December 5 – 7, 2025, at Distrito T-Mobile, San Juan.
This landmark event—hosted by Special Olympics International and Special Olympics Puerto Rico (SOPR)—will unite more than 300 basketball players with and without intellectual disabilities, known as Unified partners, from over 35 countries across all Special Olympics regions. Over three days of fast-paced 3x3 competition, male and female teams will showcase the true meaning of teamwork and inclusion on the court.
“Puerto Rico is ready to welcome the world,” said Arnaldo Pérez, President of Special Olympics Puerto Rico. “Hosting this World Cup puts our island at the center of a global movement for inclusion—where every basket, every play, and every athlete represents the power of unity and respect.”
“The Cup is a demonstration of inclusive, high-quality sport that drives forward the Special Olympics’ mission and highlights the ever-expanding and improving Special Olympics sport opportunities provided to our athletes worldwide.”
The Unified 3x3 format follows the high-energy rules of FIBA 3x3 Basketball and pairs athletes with intellectual disabilities and Unified partners without disabilities on the same team. This creates a shared space of collaboration, understanding, and friendship that transcends sport.
Lou Lauria, Special Olympics Chief of Sport shared, “Through our work with Special Olympics Puerto Rico and our partnership with the FIBA Foundation, 3x3 Basketball is being elevated to new heights of sport excellence on a global stage. The work we are doing together, and with the Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup, is transforming lives through the power of inclusive sport.”
“Representing Puerto Rico means playing with heart and pride. This tournament is about showing the world that inclusion is our greatest victory,” said Luis Fermaint, member of the Special Olympics Puerto Rico Unified 3x3 National Team.
Spectators are invited to join the excitement and witness this historic event live. The complete game schedule, including the opening and closing ceremonies, is available online at SpecialOlympics.org. If you are looking to watch live from home, tune in to the Special Olympics YouTube Channel. Live coverage begins on 4 December at 7:00pm AST.
The tournament will also feature inclusive community events open to the public, including:
- 4 December: Opening Ceremony at Districto T-Mobile
- 5 December: FIBA Foundation Mini Basketball Clinic for youth ages 5 – 8
- 6 December: Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) Demonstration
- 7 December: Celebrity & Sponsor Unified Sports Experience Match, bringing together celebrities, athletes, and partners
- 5 – 7 December: Sports Clinics and Health Fairs promoting wellness and active lifestyles
“This World Cup represents the best of Puerto Rico—our hospitality, our unity, and our belief that everyone deserves a place on the court. It’s an honor to host the world here in San Juan for such an important celebration.”
