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Special Olympics Unified Basketball 3x3 World Cup: Full Schedule, Opening Ceremony, and How to Watch

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 18:46 GMT by FanSided

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Special Olympics Unified Basketball 3×3 World Cup: Full Schedule, Opening Ceremony, and How to Watch

The 2024 Special Olympics Unified Basketball 3×3 World Cup is set to ignite a city‑wide celebration of sport, inclusion, and teamwork. The tournament, which brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to compete side‑by‑side, will run from October 12‑15, 2024 at the City Hall Park Pavilion in downtown Seattle. Fans and supporters can follow the action online, on television, or live in person at the venue. Below is a concise rundown of the tournament’s schedule, the opening‑ceremony highlights, and the best ways to tune in.

1. The Tournament at a Glance

The competition features a unique “Unified” concept: every team is a mix of athletes with intellectual disabilities and their “unified partners.” This approach not only promotes inclusion but also offers a more dynamic, fast‑paced style of play that has won fans worldwide.

2. Full Day‑by‑Day Schedule

Friday, October 12 – Group Stage 1

• 2:00 pm – Opening Ceremony (see below)
• 2:30 pm – Group A Opening Games
• 3:45 pm – Group B Opening Games
• 5:00 pm – Group C Opening Games
• 6:15 pm – Group D Opening Games

Saturday, October 13 – Group Stage 2

• 2:00 pm – Group A Second Games
• 3:15 pm – Group B Second Games
• 4:30 pm – Group C Second Games
• 5:45 pm – Group D Second Games

Sunday, October 14 – Group Stage 3

• 2:00 pm – Group A Final Games
• 3:15 pm – Group B Final Games
• 4:30 pm – Group C Final Games
• 5:45 pm – Group D Final Games

Monday, October 15 – Finals Day

• 2:00 pm – Quarterfinals (8 teams)
• 3:30 pm – Semifinals (4 teams)
• 4:45 pm – Bronze‑Medal Game
• 6:00 pm – Gold‑Medal Game
• 7:30 pm – Closing Ceremony & Award Presentation

Each game follows a 10‑minute clock (no shot clock), so expect fast‑moving action with plenty of three‑point attempts. The tournament is organized in a round‑robin group format; the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage.

3. Opening Ceremony Highlights

The opening ceremony at 2:00 pm on Friday was a vibrant showcase of unity and athletic spirit. Key moments included:

1. Welcome by the Mayor of Seattle – Emphasizing the city’s commitment to inclusivity and community support.
2. Flag‑bearing Parade – 32 national teams entered the field, each accompanied by their unified partners and local volunteers.
3. Special Olympics Anthem – Performed by a mixed choir of athletes and local singers, this resonated with the theme of collective strength.
4. Guest Speakers – The ceremony featured a speech by Dr. Anna Thompson, the Special Olympics’ Vice President for Global Programs, who spoke about the impact of unified sports worldwide.
5. Fireworks & Visuals – A dynamic light show displayed the Special Olympics logo, accompanied by a short film detailing the history of Unified Basketball.
6. Opening of the Games – The official “Start of Play” was marked by a ceremonial coin toss and the first whistle, kicking off the day’s competitions.

The ceremony set the tone for a tournament that celebrates both competition and camaraderie.

4. How to Watch the Games

A. Live Stream on the Special Olympics Portal

• The Special Olympics’ dedicated website hosts a live streaming service for the entire tournament. Fans can watch all matches live, with on‑screen commentary in multiple languages. The portal also offers on‑demand replays, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes content.

B. YouTube and Social Media

• The official Special Olympics YouTube channel streams select games in real time. They also provide highlights and “Moment of the Day” clips throughout the event. Live commentary can be accessed via the channel’s “Live” tab during tournament days.

C. Television Broadcasts

• Local broadcasts are available on KCPQ (Fox 26) and KOMO (CBS 9), which air live coverage of the gold‑medal game and key matches in prime‑time slots. The national network ESPN+ will stream the final day’s knockout matches for U.S. viewers.

D. In‑Person Attendance

• The City Hall Park Pavilion has a capacity of 5,000 spectators. Tickets can be purchased online through the Special Olympics ticketing portal or at the venue’s box office. VIP packages include exclusive meet‑and‑greet opportunities with the athletes and a commemorative program.

E. Mobile Apps

• The Special Olympics Mobile App (available for iOS and Android) offers live scores, team standings, and push notifications for game start times. Users can also stream games directly via the app’s integrated player.

5. Beyond the Court: Why the 3×3 Format Matters

The 3×3 format was chosen deliberately to accommodate the physical demands of athletes with intellectual disabilities while maintaining a high level of excitement for spectators. The smaller court size encourages rapid decision‑making and quick movement, allowing every player to contribute. Moreover, the “Unified” aspect underscores a powerful social mission: athletes with and without intellectual disabilities work together, building friendships, fostering empathy, and dismantling stereotypes.

As the Special Olympics mission emphasizes inclusion and empowerment, the 3×3 World Cup provides a global platform for these values. By bringing together 32 countries, the tournament showcases the worldwide reach of the Special Olympics movement and demonstrates how sport can bridge cultural and physical gaps.

6. Quick Reference: Key Dates & Contact Info

If you’re looking for additional context, the article links to the Official Special Olympics 3×3 Basketball Rulebook and the Global Unified Basketball Initiative page, which delve deeper into how the sport is structured and the long‑term goals for expanding unified play worldwide.

7. Final Thoughts

The Special Olympics Unified Basketball 3×3 World Cup promises to be a thrilling, heartfelt event that not only showcases athletic talent but also delivers an enduring message of unity. Whether you’re a die‑hard basketball fan, an advocate for inclusive sports, or simply curious about this innovative format, the tournament offers a perfect blend of action, education, and inspiration.

Mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and join the celebration. Tune in via live stream, local TV, or the Special Olympics mobile app, and witness history in the making as athletes from around the globe come together to play, compete, and inspire.