The Special Olympics Unified Cup 2022 presented by Toyota showed the world how the power of sport builds and shapes a diverse community that unites and empowers people of all abilities, from all backgrounds.
In July 2022, Detroit welcomed over 300 footballers from over 20 nations to compete in football (soccer)—the world’s most popular sport. The Special Olympics Unified Cup took place 31 July – 6 August, 2022 and Special Olympics Unified Sports® is what maked it uniquely inclusive: Teams that were comprised of footballers with and without intellectual disabilities playing together.
The Special Olympics Unified Cup featured competitions broadcasted to hundreds of millions of viewers across the globe. The week-long event showcased athletic performances on the pitch, and highlight stereotype-defying stories off the pitch—changing minds and opening hearts through transformational inclusion.
In July 2022, Detroit welcomed over 300 footballers from over 20 nations to compete in football (soccer)—the world’s most popular sport. The Special Olympics Unified Cup took place 31 July – 6 August, 2022 and Special Olympics Unified Sports® is what maked it uniquely inclusive: Teams that were comprised of footballers with and without intellectual disabilities playing together.
The Special Olympics Unified Cup featured competitions broadcasted to hundreds of millions of viewers across the globe. The week-long event showcased athletic performances on the pitch, and highlight stereotype-defying stories off the pitch—changing minds and opening hearts through transformational inclusion.
Delegations that competed in the 2022 Unified Cup
Women's Teams
- Burkina Faso
- Caribbean (Haiti, Aruba, Bahamas)
- Costa Rica
- Egypt
- Guatemala
- Bharat (India)
- Mexico
- Namibia
- Slovakia
- Serendib (Sri Lanka)
- UAE
- USA
Men's Teams
- Brazil
- Jamaica
- Korea
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Paraguay
- Romania
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- USA
Unified Cup 2022 Highlights
Enjoy our recap of the 2022 Special Olympics Unified Cup in Detroit!
#TogetherUnstoppable #ChooseToInclude
#TogetherUnstoppable #ChooseToInclude
On Now
Unified Cup 2022 Highlights
On Now
Unified Cup Detroit 2022
Unified Cup 2022 Technical Report
This review of the 2022 Unified Cup serves as a record to present the sport data and information that was collected from the 2022 Detroit Unified Cup. The 2022 Unified Cup Technical Report provides a reference and standard as we develop the legacy of the Unified Cup and other single sport invitational events.
“We are one big family. It’s not about just one person; we are looking out for one another and caring for one another. We do it for each other, not just for ourselves.”
Anthony Banies, Special Olympics Athlete, Detroit
By the Numbers
50+
Matches
20+
NATIONS
300+
Footballers
22
Teams
1,000
Volunteers
10,000+
Viewers & Spectators
500
Family Members and Dignitaries
3
Competition Venues
7
Special Events & Featured Programming
“The relationships I have made through Unified sports have made me a better person, pushed me to go farther, and given me opportunities I never thought possible. I am so proud to be part of this movement”
Greg Thomas, Special Olympics Unified Partner, Michigan
Download the Unified Cup App
Stay up to date with everything Unified Cup by downloading the official Unified Cup app. Follow your favorite teams and players, get real-time updates, and explore everything Detroit has to offer! Visit the App Store or Google Play and search "Unified Cup".
Featured Partners
Jersey Mike’s
Nutrition Sponsor
