2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games

17th Special Olympics World Summer Games
Juegos Mundiales de Verano de Olimpiadas Especiales 2027

Host city	Santiago, Chile
Nations	170 (expected)
Athletes	6,000 (expected)
Events	22 sports (expected)
Opening	16 October 2027
Closing	24 October 2027
Main venue	Estadio Bicentenario de La Florida
Summer
←  2023 Berlin 2031 TBA  →
Winter
←  2025 Turin 2029 Switzerland  →

The 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games, officially known as the XVII Special Olympic World Games or the Special Olympics World Games Santiago 2027 (Spanish : Juegos Mundiales de Verano de Olimpiadas Especiales 2027), will be 17th summer Special Olympics from 16 to 24 October 2027. Scheduled to be held in Santiago, Chile, will be the first time in the organization’s 55-year history that a World Games will take place in the Southern Hemisphere. ^[1] It will also be the first World Games in Latin America, and in a Spanish-speaking country.

Bids

Confirmed host city

• Chile

• Santiago

After the success of the 2023 Pan American Games the Chilean President Gabriel Boric announced that the Chilean government will apply to host the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games. ^{[2] [3]} It was confirmed on 24 April 2024 that Santiago will host the games. This will be the first time the Special Olympics World Games (summer or winter) will be held in the Southern Hemisphere, and only the sixth Special Olympics World Summer Games outside the United States.

Non-selected bids

• Indonesia

• Jakarta

Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo gladly welcomed the offer from Special Olympics International (SOI) for Indonesia to take the opportunity to host the 2027 Special Olympics World Games. ^[4] This would've been the first time the Special Olympics World Games (summer or winter) would be held in the Southern Hemisphere, and only the sixth Special Olympics World Summer Games outside the United States.

Cancelled bids

• Australia

• Perth

Special Olympics Australia had been proactively briefing State and Federal Ministers and Members of Parliament who have expressed their interest and support on a bipartisan basis. ^[5] Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors, called upon governments, businesses, philanthropists and the local community to rally behind Australia’s bid to host the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Perth. ^[6] Funding, however, was in limbo with both state and federal governments refusing to support the bid. ^[7]

Marketing

The official logo was unveiled on 26 January 2026. The logo visually expresses how Chile embraces the global spirit of Special Olympics. The shapes and colors are arranged in a circle to reflect constant connection. At the center is the international symbol of Special Olympics surrounded by icons reflecting Chile’s identity, nature, and diversity. The relationship between the elements carries rich symbolism: a world revolving around inclusion with Chile embracing all participants and offering a space where everyone can participate, connect, and celebrate with no barriers. ^[8]

References

1. "Santiago, Chile Will Host the 2027 Special Olympics World Games". SpecialOlympics.org. 24 April 2024. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
2. "Pdte. Boric anuncia que Chile postulará para realizar los Juegos Mundiales de Verano de Olimpiadas Especiales de 2027". 27 October 2023.
3. "Chile to bid for 2027 Special Olympics as first step towards "dream" of future Olympic Games, says country's President Boric". 28 October 2023.
4. "Sports Minister welcomes offer for Indonesia to host 2027 SOWG". 22 June 2023.
5. "Our bid to host the 2027 World Games". 4 May 2022.
6. "Special Olympics Australia announces formal bid to host 2027 World Games in Perth". 4 May 2022.
7. "Bid to bring Special Olympics World Games to Australia struggles to get government funding". ABC News. 20 July 2023.
8. "Special Olympics World Games Santiago 2027 Logo Unveiled". 26 January 2026.