“Special Olympics”: State games will start soon in Braunschweig – Braunschweig – Current News

In a few days, the Braunschweiger will be transformed Castle Square in an athletes village: The national games of “Special Olympics Lower Saxony” will be held in Braunschweig from May 9th to 11th. Up to 1000 athletes announced, as well as at least 300 helpers and supervisors. The national games are a sporting highlight before Braunschweig in June there will also be “host town” for the “Special Olympics World Games” in Berlin.

What exactly are the Special Olympics?

It is the world’s largest sports movement for people with intellectual and multiple disabilities. In contrast, the Paralympics mostly represent people with physical disabilities. “Special Olympics” was held in the USA in 1968 Eunice Kennedy-Shriver was founded and, according to the federal association “Special Olympics Germany”, is now represented by more than five million athletes in 174 countries, more than 40,000 of them in Germany.

“The goal is to give people with intellectual disabilities more recognition, self-confidence and ultimately more through sport participation to help society,” explains the Lower Saxony state association. It organizes regular training programs and sports competitions and has more than 120 members coming from institutions such as workshops or special schoolsassociations and personal members.

Inclusive teams fight together for the medals. This means that people with and without disabilities start together. It is mainly about recreational athlete, while the Paralympics are mostly competitive athletes. And another difference: At the “Special Olympics” everyone is honored at the end, not just the top three.

What does the sporting program look like?

The participants compete against each other in ten disciplines: athletics, judo, badminton, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, table tennis, boccia and sailing. Most competitions take place in the District sports facility Rüningen instead of. There are other venues Sportbad Heidbergthe Güldenstraße sports hall, the Braunschweig Golf Club, the Südsee with the sailing club and the Bürgerpark (Braunschweig Tennis and Hockey Club and Braunschweig Judo Club).

What is planned in the supporting program of the national games?

The torch will be lit at the town hall on Tuesday, May 9th. Mayor Thorsten Kornblum, State Association President Vera Neugebauer and other guests will be there. Then follows the torch relay. In the evening is in the Volkswagen Hall a guest of honor reception is planned, followed by an opening ceremony. Moderator Hinnerk Baumgarten leads through the program. Patron is Prime Minister Stefan Weil, represented by Interior Minister Daniela Behrenswho will be on site.

Sports events take place on Wednesday and Thursday. According to the association, a health program is also planned for Tuesday and Wednesday at the district sports facility in Rüningen. On Wednesday evening the athletes are invited to the disco in the Westand. On the Schlossplatz an Olympic Festivaldorf are created – with stands from clubs and organizations as well as a stage for performances by inclusive groups.

What role does Braunschweig play in the “World Games” in June?

From June 17th to 25th the „Special Olympics World Games“ instead, i.e. the Olympics for people with intellectual disabilities. 7000 athletes from almost every nation worldwide are expected. There are more than 200 “host towns” nationwide that act as hosts for athlete delegations – in our region these are Wolfsburg, Gifhorn and Braunschweig.

Braunschweig will make a delegation Morocco receive. In addition to the training for the “World Games”, meetings with Braunschweig schoolchildren, guided tours of the city and joint activities with local disabled aid facilities are also planned.

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