The following is an excerpt from an article titled Xbox, Special Olympics Executives Talk Ongoing Partnership, Inclusivity In Gaming, More In New Interview published by Forbes.
In a blog post published early this month, Xbox’s global head of impact, Jenn Panattoni, wrote about Xbox and Special Olympics’ renewed partnership intended to celebrate the intersectionality of the disability and gaming communities. The post was coincident with the announcement of this year’s Gaming for Inclusion Esports Tournament.
As Panattoni wrote, Microsoft and the Special Olympics have come together to empower through technology for the last decade, since 2014. The collaboration has taken various forms, with Panattoni saying it has “evolved through the years.” On November 11, Special Olympics athletes and partners will play in a virtual Rocket League tournament alongside celebrity supporters of Special Olympics in NFL players and WWE superstars. A week later, on the 18th, there will be in-person and live-streamed events based in Los Angeles during which people will play.
Panattoni went on to note that, late last month, Xbox hosted three Special Olympics athletes at the Microsoft Experience Center. The trio received so-called “shoutcaster” training, as well as lessons on commentating through a series of workshops and guest speakers.
