The Special Olympics World Games are a unique opportunity for Germany as a forward-thinking host to sustainably promote recognition and participation of people with disabilities. This is, in particular, about unlimited access to all areas of community life: education, labour, healthcare, sports and culture.

“Extraordinary sign of appreciation”

Christiane Krajewski, Special Olympics Germany President, stressed: “The patronage of our Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is an extraordinary sign of appreciation for the athletes from around the world. His patronage also reflects the important role that inclusion plays in our society. The Special Olympics World Games in Berlin are going to bring us closer to all people with mental and multiple disabilities, they will facilitate encounters and contribute to making these a normal part of life.”

Goose bumps guaranteed

The international sports world is going to focus on these games for nine days. These nine days will be all about excitement, emotions and fascination for sports. Many people around the world will be following the competitions closely: on screens as well as live at the scene. This much is certain: a strong audience response and a wave of enthusiasm from the stands are crucial for outstanding sporting performances. Unparalleled experiences and goose bumps are guaranteed when the many athletes compete in their disciplines in the Olympic spirit and are able to feel the excitement in the stands.

Real-life inclusion beyond the games

The Federal Government seeks to sustainably promote inclusion in sports. Sports bring people with and without disabilities together and help to enshrine the idea of self-determined, equal participation in people’s awareness. It is important to keep up this idea of sustainable, social participation of people with disabilities in our society also beyond this major sporting event, and to include and acknowledge these people and to guarantee their righteous place in society.

What is the Federal Government already doing to contribute to this?

People with mental and multiple disabilities are particularly affected by marginalisation and discrimination. They are often afraid to approach others and public awareness of their situation is almost non-existent. The Federal Government is determined to change this, and to make progress in important matters for people with disabilities in the current legislative period. Accessibility plays a central role in this context. On 30 November 2022 the Federal Cabinet adopted the key points of the “Federal Accessibility Initiative – Germany is becoming accessible“. This initiative focuses on the issues of mobility, housing, health and digitalisation. As part of the initiative, the Federal Government is going to further develop legal arrangements for promoting accessibility of public and private spaces. To this end it is going to revise the Disability Equality Act, the Accessibility Promotion Act and the General Equal Treatment Act. The Inclusive Labour Market Promotion Act that was approved by the Bundesrat on 12 May aims to achieve better integration of people with disabilities in the labour market. This is linked to a higher degree of social participation.

Germany as a good host and forerunner in the area of inclusion

Germany seeks to be a good, cosmopolitan host for the Games and a role model when it comes to unrestricted participation of people with mental disabilities in society and sports. Everybody is invited to send out a signal of support for athletes with mental disabilities, and to cheer on the athletes in the various competitions. Large numbers of tickets are available.

Federal Chancellor Scholz is going to attend the Games on 23 June to cheer on the athletes.

Would you like to find out more?

Questions and answers about the 2023 Special Olympics World Games

Website of the 2023 Special Olympics World Games

Ticket shop for the 2023 Special Olympics World Games