Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors, has called upon governments, businesses, philanthropists and the local community to rally behind Australia’s bid to host the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Perth.
The Special Olympics World Games have never been held in the Southern Hemisphere and could attract more than 8,000 athletes from over 170 countries. Over 500,000 spectators would be expected to attend.
The financial benefit to the Perth economy would be monumental. Over $200 million in economic benefits as well as legacy goals across the areas of inclusion, health, education, employment and justice could be on the line.
Tanya Brown, a member of the Special Olympics Australia Board and Chair of the World Games 2027 Bid Committee welcomed the call to action from Dr. Tim Shriver.
“To hear Dr. Shriver’s personal invitation for Australia to bid to host the most inclusive humanitarian event in the world is exciting in our journey to become a more inclusive and welcoming society. It is fitting for such a sport-loving nation that, through the catalyst of sport, we can achieve systemic change for our nation and change views, change lives, change our nation and change the world.”
The bid has been developed over the last two years and will officially be submitted in July. The Special Olympics International Board of Directors will select the host of the Special Olympics World Games 2027 in November and a public announcement will be made at a later date.
