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Community Impact

Special Olympics Celebrates 50 Years In Style!

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Did you join the party? From 17 to 21 July, Special Olympics 50th Anniversary celebrations reached every corner of the globe, and even turned it red!

It all kicked off with the first-ever Unified Cup presented by Toyota during which 24 Unified football teams from across the world battled it out over four days in Chicago. The teams—consisting of players with and without intellectual disabilities—were even cheered on by football superstars such as Didier Drogba.

Then on the evening of 20 July, all eyes turned to the skies as over 225 iconic landmarks—including Sydney Opera House and the Piccadilly Sign—celebrated by Lighting Up Red for Inclusion! Next, back in Chicago, fans were treated to an inclusive day of sports, games and exhibits on Soldier Field. This was followed by an epic closing concert led by Chance the Rapper.

Our 50th celebrations continue throughout 2018. The next flagship event in Europe Eurasia is the Global Youth Leadership Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan in September.

See How the World Lit Up to Mark Our 50th Anniversary
More than 225 landmarks across the planet proudly displayed a familiar color in celebration of Special Olympics.

Light Up Red for Special Olympics video montage