[San Juan, Puerto Rico, 4 December 2025] The inaugural Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup tipped off this evening with an inspiring Opening Ceremony in San Juan, uniting hundreds of athletes, dignitaries, performers and fans for an unforgettable celebration of sport, culture and inclusion. Hosted by Special Olympics International and Special Olympics Puerto Rico (SOPR), this historic event unites basketball players with and without intellectual disabilities, known as Unified partners, from countries across the world. Modeled after the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup™, this Cup will showcase three days of fast-paced 3x3 competition, with 19 men’s teams and 17 women’s teams demonstrating the true meaning of sporting excellence and inclusive basketball.
The Flame of Hope was lit at the Distrito T-Mobile, by Puerto Rican basketball legend Piculín Ortiz and Special Olympics Puerto Rico rhythmic gymnast Natalia Rubio, with Arnaldo Pérez Morales, President of Special Olympics Puerto Rico officially marking the start of the Cup. In a powerful display of unity and determination, 180 athletes and Unified partners from 27 nations took part in the Special Olympics oath led by Luis Fermaint, Special Olympics Puerto Rico athlete and Kitti Vancott, Special Olympics USA athlete: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Haya Aldossary, Special Olympics Saudi Arabia Women’s Head Coach led the coaches’ oath and Denis Quarta, the FIBA International Technical Official from Italy, led the official’s oath.
“To all of you players, you are not just players, not just competitors, but you are leaders. Leaders through sport. Champions of hope and inspiration. Your courage and determination lights the way for millions of people around the world. You show us EVERY day what it means to persevere, to include and to unite!” She added that “this first-ever Unified 3x3 Basketball Cup is positioning Puerto Rico at the center of a global inclusion movement promoting equality, teamwork and opportunity through sport.”
The Ceremony opened with an energetic performance from Guaynabo Battelers and their Band, an all-female baton twirling and band organization from Puerto Rico, setting the tone for an evening built on celebration and community. Puerto Rican artist Lucía Jirau delivered a stirring performance of the U.S. National Anthem, followed by the Puerto Rico National Anthem.
Other highlights of the Opening Ceremony included the Parade of Athletes, inspirational remarks from local and international leaders and the entrance of the Special Olympics flag by Special Olympics Paraguay athlete Marcelo Cañete, Special Olympics Jamaica Unified partner Kalia Livingston, Olympian, Puerto Rico National Team Member and Professional Basketball Player Pamela Rosado and NBA Legend, Special Olympics Global Ambassador and Former Special Olympics International Board Member Sam Perkins. Inclusive and cultural performances included Danza 21, a dance group for individuals with Down syndrome from the Fundación Puertorriqueña Síndrome Down in Puerto Rico and Gíbaro de Puerto Rico, a cultural organization that promotes and preserves Puerto Rican folklore through music and dance.Puerto Rican artist Luis Vázquez sang, “Birim Bim Bim” to close the Ceremony.
Local and global leaders underscored the significance of hosting the first-ever Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup in Puerto Rico.
“Here we are combining recreation and the social component with sport, because we are in a tourism and entertainment area, and by bringing a 3x3 tournament to Puerto Rico, we highlight the concept of functional diversity and adapted sports, which are among our priorities.”
David Bernier, President of the Organizing Committee of the Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup, emphasized, “This event places Puerto Rico on the global stage for Special Olympics programs, which will attract significant interest from international organizations. That is why it was important for Puerto Rico to present itself as a host and to do so in the friendly and well-organized manner we are known for.
“As a Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, I feel honored to welcome you to the 3x3 Unified Basketball World Cup. This Unified World Cup is a demonstration of the inclusion that Special Olympics promotes worldwide. This Cup signifies healthy competition and inclusion for all. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to share as brothers and sisters,” said Melissa de León Mazariegos, Special Olympics Sargent Shriver Global Messenger.
These remarks reinforced the role of sport in building equitable communities and expanding opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities worldwide.
Media will have access to interviews with athletes, Unified partners, coaches, officials, ambassadors and Special Olympics executives throughout the Cup. Please contact official press contacts to arrange.
Full information on the Cup and links to all matches
