Special Olympics announced the kick-off of the first annual Just Dance^® Challenge, a global online fundraising campaign to get the public up and dancing to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics. In order to spread their message of inclusion to the broadest audience, Special Olympics has joined with Just Dance, the top dance and music videogame with millions of players globally, developed and published by Ubisoft®. Popular YouTubers and musicians from the videogame including Maroon 5, Jessie J, Charli XCX, Nicole Scherzinger and more are lending their support in a variety of ways to get the word out and drive public participation.

The three-month campaign, which runs from November 2014 through January 31, 2015, encourages participants to raise donations through peer-to-peer fundraising and social media. While there are multiple customizable ways to participate, the core theme of the Just Dance Challenge revolves around playing the Just Dance videogame with friends, family and/or community. Participation is open to anyone around the world and the public can register and learn more at esports.specialolympics.org and view the celebrity PSA, here.

The launch of this partnership comes on the heels of the Special Olympics’ decision to engage with the video game industry to help spread its message of inclusion. Force Multiply Gaming, a social impact movement and brand of WarpSpeed Innovations Inc. inspired the unique and powerful connection which marks the first campaign uniting Special Olympics with the video game industry.

Republic Records will also be showing their support to the cause by offering incentives and giveaways centered around their talented artists and by sponsoring the Just Dance Challenge with an activation at their annual label holiday party. The musicians, Special Olympics, and Ubisoft are committed to the success of the campaign. Here’s what Nicole has to say:

“I’m thrilled that my music can be part of the Just Dance Challenge for Special Olympics. As a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics, I’ve seen first-hand, around the world, the transformative power of Special Olympics, and I’m thrilled that millions of people will have the opportunity to help them in their wonderful work – and to do it by dancing! Just this past summer I was able to take part in a dance routine with many of our athletes. I loved seeing how they like to express themselves through music and dance. Seeing the pure joy they get from just dancing is why I do what I do. I challenge you to get out and dance and help create a more inclusive world for everyone!”