Beyond Sports

From high-energy engagements to heartfelt ceremonies, the 2027 Special Olympics World Games will feature a lineup of special events that bring athletes, families, volunteers, and fans together. Each event is designed to inspire, entertain, and highlight the spirit of inclusion, creating unforgettable experiences beyond the competition.

• Host Town Program: Before the official start of the sporting competitions, visiting countries will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Chilean culture and customs, tour its most important monuments, and explore the rich history of various cities across its 16 regions, from north to south. This program will allow each delegation to exchange experiences with local communities and facilitate their cultural adaptation. This participation will generate significant awareness about disability and the Games, strengthening commitment to the Special Olympics movement and fostering long-term goals and inclusion in the communities visited.
• Law Enforcement Torch Run: A longstanding tradition of Special Olympics, the Law Enforcement Torch Run brings together law enforcement officers and athletes who run side by side, carrying the Flame of Hope for miles across cities, towns, and landmarks to raise awareness for the Games. The run will culminate in the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, marking the official start of the Games.
• Opening Ceremony: The Opening Ceremony is an exciting celebration that will officially kick off the Special Olympics World Games Santiago 2027. This unforgettable event, which will take place at the National Stadium Park Coliseum in Santiago, will include the athletes’ parade honoring all participating countries, as well as the lighting of the cauldron. The event will also feature live musical performances and cultural displays from Chile and Latin America.
• Healthy Athletes: People with intellectual disabilities often face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare, receiving substandard or, in some cases, nonexistent services. Healthy Athletes helps close this gap by providing crucial health services that many athletes would not otherwise have access to. The Healthy Athletes program, during the Games, offers Special Olympics athletes free health screenings in areas such as vision/eye health, audiology, dentistry, prevention and nutrition, emotional health, physical therapy, and podiatry, ensuring that athletes have the opportunity to prioritize their well-being while participating and competing at their best.
• Young Athletes: Young Athletes is an inclusive program designed for children ages 2 to 7, of all abilities, that helps them develop fundamental motor, social, and cognitive skills through play. This program not only encourages early development and active lifestyles, but also promotes understanding and acceptance, as children without disabilities learn to appreciate and include others from an early age.
• Closing Ceremony: This festive event will include inspirational speeches, live performances, and the symbolic passing of the torch to the next Special Olympics Games. It will be a celebration of the athletes’ achievements, the spirit of inclusion, and the lasting impact of the Games.