Special Olympics Selects Kazan To Host World Winter Games In 2022

Kazan (RUS) will host the Special Olympics World Winter Games in 2022 with a key aim of transforming the lives and prospects of people with intellectual disabilities across Russia. 

The selection of Kazan by the Special Olympics International Board of Directors was made based on the city’s proven reputation for hosting large international sporting events, support from local, state, and national governments of Russia, and a strong legacy vision to use the power of sport to establish thriving, inclusive communities by transforming attitudes and behaviours throughout Russia, and the world.

“Hosting the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022 adds Kazan to an elite group of international cities leading the inclusion charge for people with intellectual disabilities,” said Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics. “The global Special Olympics movement has confidence in Kazan’s ability to host a world-class Games that deliver a lasting impact. Congratulations to Kazan!”

Using the platform of the Games, Special Olympics will seek to transform attitudes about intellectual disabilities in Russia, as well as create new opportunities for social integration for the estimated three million people with intellectual disabilities living in Russia. 

The Special Olympics World Winter Games are among the world’s most prestigious sporting events, uniquely focused on advancing a truly inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities. Taking place every two years, and alternating between summer and winter sports, the Special Olympics World Games are broadcast globally by ESPN, the Official Global Broadcast Partner of Special Olympics. The previous World Winter Games took place in Austria in 2017.

“In Kazan, Special Olympics athletes will have the chance to stand on the world stage and be an inspiration for people of all abilities,” said Nyasha Derera, Chair of the Global Athlete Congress and member of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors. “World Winter Games is a chance to shout from the mountaintops that we are all more alike than we are different,” added the Zimbabwean short and long-distance runner.