A total of 4,300 athletes were nominated for the National Games by Special Olympics Germany.
With 270 athletes, SORLP represents the fifth largest group of all federal states.
The largest inclusive multi-sport event in the country will take place from 15th to 20th. By June 2026, all 16 regional associations will be represented, which underlines the enormous development of Special Olympics in Germany.
From the perspective of Special Olympics Rhineland-Palatinate, the nomination result is impressive. In 40 delegations, 270 athletes (241 athletes & 29 unified partners) and more than 100 trainers/supervisors are making their way to neighboring Saarland.
The three youngest SORLP participants are just 12 years old (athletics, swimming & tennis). The oldest participant is an 84-year-old table tennis player. A total of 27 sports are on the program, which is a new high for Special Olympics Germany summer games. Rhineland-Palatinate competes in 14 sports: badminton, boccia, bowling, football, gymnastics, golf, judo, canoeing, athletics, cycling, rowing, swimming, tennis and table tennis.
By the way: Anyone who does successfully at the National Games in Saarland can qualify for the next big goal:
The Special Olympics World Games 2027 in Chile.
Want more? Here is the LINK to the website National Games Saarland 2026
You can find SOD’s press release about the nomination here:
4,300 athletes nominated for the National Games in Saarland in 2026
