Orange County

2022 Special Olympics USA Games opening ceremonies to be held at Exploria Stadium

ORLANDO, Fla. — The organizers of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games announced Wednesday that the games’ opening ceremonies will be held at Exploria Stadium in Orlando next year.

Officials also announced that Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis will serve as honorary co-chairs for the games.

READ: Special Olympics announces ambassadors for games in Orlando in 2022

Athletes across the country are currently gearing up for the games, which will be hosted in Orlando from June 5 to 12, 2022.

“It is my honor to lead the team that will bring this extraordinary event to Orlando,” President and CEO of 2022 Special Olympics USA Games Joe Dzaluk said. “Together we will open our hearts to the power of these athletes.”

WATCH: Special Olympics athletes sing ‘Stand By Me’ to show support for health care workers, first responders

According to Dzaluk, the 2022 games will include more than 5,500 athletes, coaches and officials, which is 50% more than at previous games. And even though it says “USA” games, the Special Olympics will also be inviting athletes from 15 other countries in North and South America.



Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.

Joe Kepner

Joe Kepner, WFTV.com

I unloaded the U-Haul in Orlando in 2008, just in time to cover the Magic's run to the 2009 NBA Finals.