Washington, DC. 24 April, 2024. The Special Olympics International Board of Directors announced that Santiago will host the 2027 Special Olympics World Games. Sports Minister Jaime Pizarro received the notification from Timothy Shriver, chairman of the organization’s board of directors, during his visit to Washington, DC, United States.
“We are very happy and proud that our country is the new host of a world-class sporting event: the 2027 Special Olympics World Games. We are proud to continue promoting inclusion through sport, and this will be a new national holiday that continues to pave the way for organizing events of this nature that generate so much unity and joy nationwide. To all the athletes of the Special Olympics World Games: we look forward to seeing you in Chile,” said President Gabriel Boric Font.
The Special Olympics World Games are the world’s largest sporting event for people with intellectual disabilities. The most recent Games were held in Berlin (2023), Abu Dhabi (2019), and Los Angeles (2015). In the bid to host the 2027 Games, Santiago faced competitors such as Salt Lake City (United States) and Perth (Australia).
“This is part of the legacy of the Pan American and Parapan American Games organized by Chile, as we have first-class infrastructure and demonstrate to the world our seriousness and capacity to organize international events,” said Sports Minister Jaime Pizarro.
With this announcement, preparations begin for Santiago 2027 to welcome more than 6,000 athletes from over 170 countries, who will compete in 22 disciplines. A total of approximately $134 million will be invested over the next three years, funds from the Ministry of Sport and implemented through the Local Organizing Committee, to cover the costs of programs, sports activities, venue use, and other services necessary for the event’s production.
It’s worth remembering that President Gabriel Boric announced Chile’s candidacy last November, during the Santiago 2023 Pan American and Parapan American Games.
Carolina Picasso, President of Special Olympics Chile, the organization that promoted the application along with the government, praised the decision and stated, “We are delighted with this tremendous achievement for Chile and Latin America. We hope this mega-event will serve as a catalyst for social change, because we are convinced that there will be a turning point for athletes with intellectual disabilities. This would not have been possible without the united will. For this reason, we thank the Ministry of Sports and all the institutions and individuals who have been part of this journey.”
Gonzalo Escobar, lead athlete of Special Olympics Chile and representative of the Opinion Council, stated, “It is a great honor to be here to receive this historic news. This will be the first time that the World Games are held in Latin America. In Chile, we will work hard to ensure that these games are an opportunity to demonstrate what thousands of young people with and without intellectual disabilities in our country, Latin America, and around the world are capable of.”
Regarding this, the Governor of Santiago, Claudio Orrego, commented: “The Santiago 2023 Pan American and Parapan American Games shattered myths, filled stadiums, strengthened our sense of national unity, and allowed us to dream big. While we need state sports policies with greater resources, coaches, and events, Santiago has proven itself up to the task of hosting this event, and upcoming ones like the Special Olympics World Games, which fill us with joy. Sport represents quality of life, health, recreation, and community. The spirit of the Pan American Games must live on in Chile and be strengthened in each of us.”
