Thousands of athletes, families and fans in attendance for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, in June, will be treated to a magical Opening Ceremony produced by Disney Live Entertainment.
The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, Experience Kissimmee and Walt Disney World Resort made the announcement Tuesday during the USA Games’ Head of Delegations Conference at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Disney sports complex, which has hosted numerous major sporting events in its nearly 25-year history, will be one of the sites of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.
“Hosting the USA Games’ Head of Delegations Conference and being able to announce that Disney Live Entertainment will be producing the Opening Ceremony represents the USA Games’ commitment to ensuring all attending athletes have a life-changing experience when they come down in June,” said Joe Dzaluk, President and CEO of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.
Disney’s involvement in the USA Games is part of a two-year collaboration between Disney Live Entertainment and 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, and deepens Disney’s relationship with Special Olympics, which stages multiple state and local events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games Opening Ceremony, which will take place at Exploria Stadium in Orlando in June, is expected to showcase the legendary entertainment, sprinkled with a little magic, that is synonymous with Disney Live Entertainment.
“There are sure to be magical surprises, rousing dance numbers, audience participation, ‘Shine as One,’” said Tom Vazzana, Creative Director for Disney Live Entertainment.
Special Olympics Florida athletes, brothers Matthew and Ryan Letcher, will be competing at the USA Games, Matthew in Basketball and Ryan in Swimming. They are looking forward to competing in their home state for Team Florida.
“With Kissimmee being such an accessible destination for visitors of all abilities, there is no better place to host this delegation event,” said DT Minich, President/CEO of Experience Kissimmee – the tourism authority for Osceola County, Florida. “We are so excited to welcome athletes, coaches and all Special Olympics representatives to Florida for the USA Games in June.”
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