-the largest multi-sport event in Germany since the 1972 Olympic Games
From 17 – 25 June 2023 7,000 Special Olympics athletes from 170 countries will travel to compete in 24 sports — supported by more than 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers.
The Special Olympics World Games offer the chance to unite the world like no other event can. Here people with and without disabilities, people of different nations, cultures, political views and religions meet and overcome existing prejudices with the power of sport.
Since the first event in 1968, the athletes and officials have come together every two years to compete on an International Stage showcasing all the hard work and dedication to training the athletes put in.
The last event in Abu Dhabi 2019 saw athletes compete across sports including athletics, beach volleyball, gymnastics and handball.
The Games exist to “inspire hope for and belief in a brighter future of global acceptance, understanding, and unity” whilst offering endless opportunities and possibilities for athletes to demonstrate the skills they work so hard to perfect in training every day.
In Berlin the focus won’t just be on the competition — it looks Beyond The Sport to programmes including The Unified Generation — Healthy Athletes and Sports Science. All part of the biggest communal inclusion project in Germany’s history.
As well as being selected for the German team Special Olympics athletes Heidi Kuder, Natascha Wermelskirchen and Tamara Röske are featured in the June issue of VOGUE Germany — improving the profile of these athletes and acceptance within society.
Gymnast Li-Xiang from China has Down Syndrome and first competed in the games in 2015. Despite his battles with poor coordination and balance he has persevered and been rewarded with multiple medals in his preferred discipline. This a huge achievement for someone who comes from a country where those with disabilities can face extreme stigmatism and discrimination.
He said: “Sports not only strengthen my body, but also change my life. It makes me have a lot of friends, and also makes me feel all kinds of happiness and pride through sports”.
Team GB will be sending a strong team to the event. Colin Dyer, CEO of Special Olympics GB, said: “To represent Team GB as an athlete with intellectual disabilities deserves the highest praise and recognition. Given the incredibly challenging circumstances that we have encountered in recent years, winning a place is not only an incredibly proud moment for our athletes, but for their loved ones and our fantastic team of volunteers who make Special Olympics GB happen”.
For those not wanting to miss any of the action you can download the Official Games App here.
World Games App: https://www.berlin2023.org/en/news/get-our-games-app-now
World Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org/our-work/games-and-competition/world-games/special-olympics-world-games-berlin-2023
Beyond The Sports: https://www.berlin2023.org/en/beyond-sports
Athletes happiness and pride through sports-Li-Xiangs Story: https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/athletes/happiness-and-pride-through-sports-li-xiangs-story
Special Olympic Athletes Model For Vogue: https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/athletes/special-olympics-athletes-model-for-vogue-germany
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