On the moving opening evening: Insights into the Special Olympics World Games
Last Saturday, we had the honor of attending the very moving opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. The Special Olympics is a global sports event that provides people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to compete in sports and showcase their abilities. This year, the World Games are taking place in a variety of sports, bringing together participants from all over the world.
A spectacular event: The opening ceremony
The opening ceremony was truly a spectacular event. In the Olympic Stadium filled with enthusiasm and emotions, we witnessed captivating performances, inspiring speeches, and impressive displays by the athletes. The enthusiasm and energy were contagious, and it was moving to see how people with intellectual disabilities are realizing their dreams and overcoming barriers.
A special partner event with Maria and Timothy Shriver
In addition to the opening ceremony, on Monday, we had the privilege of attending a special partner event with Maria and Timothy Shriver. The Shriver family is closely associated with promoting inclusion and participation of people with disabilities and has a connection to the Kennedys. Maria Shriver and Timothy Shriver are the children of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver. Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a sister of former US President John F. Kennedy, played a crucial role in the founding of the Special Olympics. She recognized early on the importance of sports as a tool for promoting inclusion and empowering people with intellectual disabilities. With her initiative and passion, she laid the foundation for today’s global sports event.
The Special Olympics are specifically designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities, unlike the Paralympics, which focus on physical disabilities. They provide these athletes with a unique platform to showcase their abilities in various sports while promoting inclusion and participation.
Vision and efforts for social sustainability
During the partner event, we personally met Maria and Timothy Shriver and learned more about their vision and efforts to promote the social sustainability of the Special Olympics. Their determination to spread the message of inclusion and participation beyond the World Games was inspiring.
Actions for social sustainability
The Special Olympics not only offer a unique sports event but also a significant opportunity to promote social sustainability. It is crucial that the positive changes and achieved inclusion during the event not only exist temporarily during the World Games but also have a lasting impact on society. This requires concrete actions and measures.
A strategic initiative for social sustainability
In close collaboration with the German Office of the Special Olympics, we aim for long-term changes through the World Games to achieve a sustainable impact on society. Our shared goal is to overcome barriers and support people with intellectual disabilities in realizing their full potential and experiencing equal opportunities in the job market.
Shaping a more inclusive world
Let us seize this opportunity to advance the vision of inclusion and participation and create a society that offers equal opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their abilities. The Special Olympics World Games serve as a springboard for change, and we are firmly committed to carrying this momentum into the future and shaping a more inclusive world.
