Berlin, 9 March 2023 - Exactly 100 days before the start of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, the World Games train is picking up speed. Since Thursday, March 9, an S-Bahn wrapped in the World Games design is in operation the 7 Line. The line connects two of the main venues of the World Games, which will be held from June 17 to 25: the Olympic Stadium and Messe Berlin.
"I am very pleased that we are attracting even more attention to the Games in Berlin through the S-Bahn in the World Games design," says Robert Herberg. The cyclist was not only a gold medal winner at the last World Games in Abu Dhabi in 2019, but his image is now a motif on the S-Bahn. Robert Herberg will also be part of the German delegation in the summer of 2023 when 7,000 athletes from more than 200 countries compete in 26 sports in Berlin.
The S-Bahn Berlin is now an official partner of the Special Olympic World Games Berlin 2023.
"We are very happy about the partnership of S-Bahn Berlin and the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023. Inclusion is an important topic in our city and through the partnership people will become aware of this great event and the the visibility of people with an intellectual disability."
The new S-Bahn will run between the stops Erkner in the far east, to the Olympic Stadium in the western part of the German capital.
Albert Tuemann, Head of Marketing of the World Games Organizing Committee, emphasizes the importance of this cooperation, "With S-Bahn Berlin, we have gained a strong mobility partner that will enable participants and visitors of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 to reach the competition venues, spread throughout the city—sustainably and quickly." He is particularly pleased that the Special Olympics World Games 2023 will be part of S-Bahn Berlin's inclusion campaign under the motto "Only for Everyone."
All delegations as well as volunteers and media representatives will be able to use public transport in Berlin free of charge during the World Games. "We want to encourage as many participants as possible to use public transport. This is also a contribution to the sustainability of the Games." says Tuemann.
The competitions in 26 disciplines will take place in various sports venues in Berlin: in the Olympic Park, at Messe Berlin, in the SSE swimming stadium as well as in Bad Saarow and at Wannsee. A special highlight is also a diverse and vibrant cultural program, such as the Special Olympics Festival at the city's iconic Neptune Fountain and the closing ceremony at the Brandenburg Gate.
About Special Olympics
Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health, and leadership. With more than six million athletes and Unified Sports partners and one million coaches and volunteers in over 200 accredited Programs, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 games and competitions every year. Engage with us on: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedInand our blog on Medium. Learn more at www.SpecialOlympics.org.