Berlin, Germany — June 12, 2024 — Special Olympics Germany’s Summer Games continue today with finals in six sports, including badminton, bowling, gymnastics, judo, athletics and cycling, as athletes from across Europe compete for gold at the Mercedes-Benz Arena and other venues in Berlin.

Day 2 marks the first full day of finals, with medal events scheduled from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time (UTC+2). The competition will feature over 1,200 athletes, including 300 from Germany, battling for titles in individual and team events.

Here’s what to watch, including verified start times, key athletes, and how to follow along.

Finals Across Six Sports: Badminton, Bowling, Gymnastics, Judo, Athletics and Cycling

Today’s competition spans six disciplines, with finals in:

• Badminton: Mixed doubles and singles finals at the Mercedes-Benz Arena (9:00 AM–12:00 PM local time). The top eight athletes in each category will advance from preliminary rounds held yesterday.
• Bowling: Team and individual finals at the Berlin Bowling Center (10:00 AM–2:00 PM local time). Germany’s team, ranked third in Europe, will compete for the national title.
• Gymnastics (Artistic): All-around and apparatus finals at the Max-Schmeling-Halle (11:00 AM–4:00 PM local time). The event includes floor exercise, vault, and uneven bars competitions.
• Judo: Weight-class finals at the Mercedes-Benz Arena (1:00 PM–5:00 PM local time). Athletes will compete in seven weight divisions, with Germany’s top-ranked judoka aiming for podium finishes.
• Athletics: Track and field finals at the Olympic Stadium (2:00 PM–5:30 PM local time). Events include the 100-meter dash, shot put, and relay races.
• Cycling: Road race and time trial finals at the AVUS Race Track (3:00 PM–6:00 PM local time). The 20-kilometer road race will determine gold medalists.

Note: All times are local (UTC+2). A full schedule, including heat times for each event, is available on Special Olympics Germany’s official website.

Profiles: Athletes Competing for Gold Today

Three athletes stand out as medal favorites based on their performances in preliminary rounds and rankings:

• Lukas Meier (Germany, Badminton):

  Meier, a 22-year-old from Munich, won his preliminary singles match in 45 seconds, setting a tournament record for fastest victory. He will face Poland’s Mateusz Kowalski in the semifinals today. Meier said in a post-match interview, “I just focused on my serve and movement. Speed isn’t everything—precision is key.”

• Sophie Bauer (Germany, Gymnastics):

  Bauer, 18, leads the all-around standings with a 58.7-point total after qualifying rounds. Her uneven bars routine—scored 15.2 by judges—is considered the strongest in the field. “I’ve been training for this since I was 12,” Bauer told reporters. “Today is about showing everyone what we’ve worked for.”

• Markus Weber (Germany, Judo):

  Weber, a 30-year-old from Hamburg, is the reigning European champion in the -90kg division. He defeated two opponents by ippon (full point) in preliminaries. His opponent in the final, France’s Thomas Laurent, has won three medals at past Special Olympics events.

Context: Weber’s victory in the -90kg division would mark his third gold at these Games, tying him with Germany’s most decorated judoka in Special Olympics history, Michael Schmidt, who won four titles in the 2015 World Games.

Where to Watch and Stream Special Olympics Germany Day 2

Official broadcasts and livestreams are available through:

• YouTube: Special Olympics Germany’s channel will stream highlights and medal ceremonies starting at 10:00 AM local time.
• Twitter/X: Follow @SpecialOlympicsDE for real-time updates, athlete interviews, and scoreboards.
• On-Site: Fans can attend events at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, Max-Schmeling-Halle, and Olympic Stadium. Tickets for today’s finals are free but require registration via this link.

Note: While no major international broadcasters are covering the event live, Deutsche Welle will air a 30-minute recap of today’s finals at 7:00 PM local time on its German-language sports program.

Beyond the Medals: The Impact of Special Olympics Germany

This year’s Games in Berlin are the largest in Special Olympics Germany’s history, with 3,500 athletes from 12 countries participating. The event serves as a platform for:

• Inclusion: Over 80% of competing athletes have intellectual disabilities, and the Games include unified sports teams pairing athletes with and without disabilities. The unified judo team will compete in today’s finals.
• Health Initiatives: Special Olympics Germany partners with Fit for Life, a program that provides free health screenings to athletes. During these Games, 500 athletes have received check-ups, including vision and hearing tests.
• Legacy Projects: Berlin’s hosting of the Games includes a €2 million fund for local sports facilities, with proceeds going toward adaptive equipment for schools.

Comparison: The 2024 Games exceed the 2019 World Games in Berlin in both participation (3,500 vs. 2,800 athletes) and sports offered (25 vs. 22). The increase reflects a 23% growth in Special Olympics Germany’s athlete base since 2019, according to official reports.

Day 3 Preview: Swimming, Tennis, and Boccia Finals

Tomorrow’s competition (June 13) will feature:

• Swimming: 50-meter freestyle and relay finals at the Wannsee Swimming Center (9:00 AM–12:00 PM local time). Germany’s relay team, ranked second in Europe, will aim to defend their title.
• Tennis: Doubles and singles finals at the Berlin Tennis Club (1:00 PM–5:00 PM local time). The top eight players in each division will compete.
• Boccia: Team and individual finals at the Mercedes-Benz Arena (2:00 PM–4:30 PM local time). Boccia, a precision ball sport for athletes with severe physical disabilities, will conclude with medal matches.

Closing Ceremony: The Games will conclude on June 14 with a ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, featuring performances by German artists and the awarding of medals to all finalists.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I qualify for Special Olympics Germany?

Athletes must be at least 8 years old and identified by an approved medical professional as having an intellectual disability. Registration is open year-round through local chapters. Learn more here.

2. Are there unified sports teams at these Games?

Yes. Unified teams pair athletes with and without intellectual disabilities in sports like judo, basketball, and soccer. Today’s unified judo competition will feature mixed teams competing for medals.

3. How can I volunteer or donate?

Volunteer opportunities are available through this portal. Donations support athlete development, health programs, and equipment. The official charity partner is Stiftung Warentest, which funds adaptive sports technology.

4. What’s the significance of the Mercedes-Benz Arena as a venue?

The arena, with a capacity of 18,000, has hosted major events like the EuroLeague Finals and the German Cup. Its selection for Special Olympics Germany underscores the event’s growing recognition as a premier sports competition in Europe.