Berlin will play the role of conductor for the 2023 Special Olympics World Games, but the entire nation of Germany will take part in the orchestra.
The 216 Host Towns selected to host Special Olympics athletes and their families have been assigned their specific international delegations. This will be the largest communal inclusion project in Germany’s history.
Each Host Town will highlight what their individual community has to offer over the course of the four-day stay from 12 to 15 June 2023. This could include a welcome party on the town hall square, joint sports activities or excursions to places of interest.
The Host Towns will also encourage greater participation and recognition of people with intellectual disabilities. The program aims to create sustainable networks and partnerships that will last beyond the 2023 World Games with the goal of making those with intellectual disabilities more visible in sports and society.
“The most important thing is sustainability, that inclusion stays in the communities after the World Games."
The beginning stages of these inclusive relationships within the German communities has commenced. Host Towns and delegations are establishing contacts and coordination of the design of each individual program is underway.
The complete list of Host Towns with their respective assigned delegation is available (updated as of 18 May 2022, subject to change).