[WASHINGTON, D.C., July 20, 2026] Special Olympics announced today that more than 40 iconic buildings and landmarks around the world will turn RED in a worldwide display of unity, launching the organization’s Global Week of Inclusion event (July 20 – 26, 2026).
This event will be a powerful demonstration of tolerance, respect and celebration of difference—bringing awareness and urgency about the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in communities worldwide.
“Inclusion is the most urgent theme of our times. For this and much more, we are so grateful to the communities and supporters around the world who are standing with Special Olympics to shine a light on the dignity, value and limitless potential of people with intellectual disabilities. 'Light Up for Inclusion' is a global call to choose respect over prejudice, joy without judgement--helping end discrimination for our population on and off the field of play."
Dozens of landmarks worldwide are participating in the Light Up for Inclusion initiative. Participants include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Aqaba Fortress, Aqaba, Jordan
- Story Bridge, Brisbane, Australia
- Breakfast Creek and Yowoggera Bridges, Newstead, Australia
- Diwang Tower, Liuzhou City, China
- National Aquatics Center/Water Cube, Beijing, China
- Federal Ministry of Culture, Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Torre Espacial, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City, Mexico
- Torre del Reformador, Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Sails of Light @ Canada Place, Port Vancouver, Canada
- Calgary Tower, Calgary, Canada
- Scissortail Bridge, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Playhouse Square, Cleveland Public Library, Progressive Field (Cleveland Guardians), Public Square, Terminal Tower, West Side Market and Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH, USA **(As the host city of the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games, Cleveland is leading a citywide "Light Up for Inclusion" celebration with participating landmarks)
The “Light Up for Inclusion” initiative is a highlight of Special Olympics’ Global Week of Inclusion (July 20 – 26), an annual celebration of unity, empowerment, and respect worldwide. Throughout this week, which also marks the 58th anniversary of Special Olympics’ founding, videos and stories across social media platforms and elsewhere showcase how the world is a more joyful and welcoming place when people with—and without—intellectual disabilities can play, lead and work together.
For more information on participating in the Light Up for Inclusion initiative, please contact inclusion@specialolympics.org.
#LightUpforInclusion #GlobalWeekofInclusion #ChooseToInclude
