Is the Special Olympics Televised? Yes, and Here’s How to Watch
The Special Olympics, a global movement dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports, receives significant media coverage, including television broadcasts. ESPN plays a crucial role in bringing these inspiring stories to viewers worldwide. This article explores ESPN’s comprehensive coverage of the Special Olympics, including its role as the official broadcaster and its commitment to promoting inclusion.
ESPN: The Official Broadcaster of the Special Olympics
ESPN serves as the Global Presenting Sponsor of Unified Sports and the Official Broadcaster for both the Special Olympics USA Games and World Games. This long-standing partnership, spanning over three decades, reflects ESPN’s dedication to showcasing the achievements and spirit of Special Olympics athletes.
ESPN’s commitment extends beyond broadcasting games. They actively promote social inclusion through the Special Olympics Unified Sports program, which brings together individuals with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. This initiative fosters understanding and friendship through shared sports experiences.
Broadcasting Reach and Programming
ESPN’s multi-year global programming agreement with the Special Olympics ensures extensive coverage of various events. They have broadcasted the World Games in Los Angeles (2015), Austria (2017), and Seattle (2018), as well as the Unified Cup finals. Future events, such as the 2019 World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi, will also be covered by ESPN.
Beyond live event coverage, ESPN produces compelling content that highlights the impact of the Special Olympics. The “Special Olympics: 50 Game Changers” series tells inspiring stories of athletes, coaches, and parents who have made significant contributions to the movement. These stories can be found on ESPN’s website and further amplify the message of inclusion.
Financial and Volunteer Support
ESPN’s financial investment in the Special Olympics demonstrates its commitment to the organization’s long-term success. They have contributed over $6 million to support Unified Sports programming in schools and communities. Furthermore, ESPN employees actively volunteer at Special Olympics events, reinforcing the company’s dedication to inclusion at all levels.
The Special Olympics, thanks to dedicated broadcasters like ESPN, is not only televised but celebrated. This partnership ensures that the inspiring stories of Special Olympics athletes reach a global audience, promoting understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for all. By tuning in to ESPN’s coverage, viewers can witness the power of sports to transform lives and communities.
