The lighting of the "Flame of Hope" took place on June 18 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany, in front of an audience of 50,000 individuals, consisting of 3,000 coaches, officials, and 18,000 volunteers. This significant event marked the commencement of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.
Following the flame lighting, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany officially declared the Games open, solidifying its status as one of the largest sports and humanitarian events of its kind.
"6,500 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners (those athletes without intellectual disabilities) from 176 delegations united in taking the Special Olympics oath promising, 'Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the at- tempt.'"
Sporting events include field hockey, powerlifting, open water swimming, golf, table tennis, and judo just to name a few. Sixteen of these sports will be Unified Sports®. "Unified Sports® is a competitive approach in which individuals with and without intellectual disabilities compete together in a sport."
Make sure to check the schedule for your favorite event. Check your local listings for TV coverage. The games run from June 17 through June 23, 2023.
"The Special Olympics World Games offer the opportunity 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 can overcome existing prejudices with the power of sport."
