Aitch to Headline Special Olympics GB National Summer Games Opening Ceremony at Alexander Stadium

BRIT award-winning Rapper Aitch is set to light up Alexander Stadium on Thursday (27th August) night as the headline performer at the biggest inclusive sporting event of 2026, the Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) National Summer Games.

Aitch is a longstanding champion of inclusion, inspired by his younger sister Gracie Armstrong, who has Down Syndrome. A patron for the Down’s Syndrome Association, he recently documented his family’s fundraising climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in the hit Netflix documentary ‘Aitch: Don’t Be Afraid’. He will perform his song My G in front of the many Special Olympics GB athletes, volunteers, family members and spectators gathering in Birmingham over the coming days.

Special Olympics GB’s National Summer Games is taking place for the first time since 2017, with its 21-day, 15-sport programme of competitions giving competition opportunities to 1,200 children and adults with an intellectual disability. It culminates in Birmingham this week, with a multi-sport event taking place across the Alexander Stadium and Wyndley Leisure Centre campuses from Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th August.

“We’re over the moon to welcome Aitch to headline Thursday night’s Opening Ceremony in Birmingham,” said Laura Baxter MBE, Chief Executive of Special Olympics GB.

“As the first National Summer Games for nine years, we wanted to ensure that we give our athletes an Opening Ceremony that matches the scale and ambition of the occasion. Having Aitch perform at a world-class venue like the Alexander Stadium will create an unforgettable moment for the entire Special Olympics GB movement.

“Like all Special Olympics GB events, our National Summer Games is much more than competition. It is about changing perceptions, creating opportunities and showing what people with intellectual disabilities can achieve when they are given the chance to take part, compete and belong."

Gary Tempest, General Manager of Alexander Stadium, said: "We are incredibly excited to host the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games at Alexander Stadium. It promises to be a truly inspiring celebration of determination, talent and inclusion. Having Aitch perform at the opening ceremony makes the occasion even more special, and we look forward to welcoming athletes, families and supporters for what will be an unforgettable event."

Special Olympics GB’s National Summer Games Opening Ceremony gets underway at 6pm and will feature a parade of the competing athletes, representing 57 clubs across England, Scotland and Wales, the delivery of the Special Olympics Flame of Hope and performances from inclusive dance group Dance Warriors, before Aitch takes centre stage. A limited amount of public access tickets remain for the Opening Ceremony, priced at £5 – click here to purchase

Special Olympics GB uses sport to help create a world where people with intellectual disabilities are seen, valued and taken seriously.

The National Summer Games 2026 are supported by Headline Partner Coca-Cola, alongside a range of partners and supporters helping Special Olympics GB deliver an athlete-first Games experience.