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Thank you so much! This were the National Games

Auf dem Foto sieht man eine glückliche und strahlende Athletin vom Radsport wie sie eine andere Person umarmt.
Special Olympics Berlin 16.06.2022 Workshop bei der Designerin Anja Gockel Foto: Tilo Wiedensohler/camera4
HOLGER_STOLZ

We are overwhelmed! A week full of emotions, sports and parties lies behind us. Everyone had their own personal highlights and gained experiences that will be remembered. Let us revel in them together and already look forward to next year's World Games in Berlin.

First of all, let us look back on today's last day of competitions: In 10 out of 20 sports, athletes were still in action and gave their best until the end. The last medals were ceremoniously awarded and loud cheers resounded over the playing fields all over Berlin.

Throughout the week, not only our athletes showed full commitment, but also all the people who helped in the background and made this great event possible in the first place.

The photo shows a group of 5 volunteers at the Special Olympics Festival during the National Games. They are cheering into the camera and visibly having fun.
220621_Nationale Sommerspiele2022_SO-Festival_fetedelamusique

We especially thank the irreplaceable volunteers, sports officials, visitors and simply everyone who was part of the National Games!

To underline what everyone accomplished together, here are a few facts:

There were...

  • 72,000 lunches and dinners served
  • 13,000 medals and placement ribbons handed out
  • 12,000 tickets booked
  • 35,000 FFP2 masks distributed
  • 15km of power cables laid
  • 212 no parking signs put up
  • And 900 radios used

All this and more has made it possible for the athletes to reunite after years of deprivation and have an unforgettable time.

On the photo four athletes are dancing and are happy. In the background further people are celebrating.
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The photo shows a group of 0´9 athletes celebrating at the Special Olympics Festival right in front of the TV tower at Alexanderplatz.
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The photo shows the end of an athletics competition. One athlete is laying on the ground to take a breath and the second one is celebrating joyfully.
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The photo shows the Closing Ceremony of the National Games in Berlin. A large stage is set up directly in front of the Brandenburg Gate and hundreds of people celebrate together.
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On the photo, there are several athletes riding on their horses during a equestrian competition at the National Games Berlin 2022.
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On the photo, there is an action scene of a handball match. One female player has the ball in shooting position and four women from the other team try to defend.
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On the photo you see several people dancing wildly in front of the stage.
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On the photo, there is a football player in action jumping towards the ball. His opponent is trying to stop him.
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On the photo, there is a cyclist hugging another person with joy after finishing her competition successfully.
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At the end, we want to emphasize one thing: Nobody celebrates like we do – unbeatable together! First at the Opening Ceremony in the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, then at the Athletes' Party at Brandenburg Gate. And today it was even topped at the Closing Ceremony again at Brandenburg Gate.

In total 10,000 people celebrated full of joy, whether during the polonaise dance or when cheering during the final fireworks - the emotions boiled over and everyone was in each other's arms at the end.

 
All that remains is to say that we can hardly wait to see you all again next year at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, the world's largest inclusive sports event! 

The end of the Closing Ceremony was a big fireworks display right at the Brandenburg Gate. This spectacle can be seen in the photo.
24.06.22, Berlin, Brandenburger Tor, Abschlussfeier Im Bild: Abschlussfeier am Brandenburger Tor Foto © Sarah Rauch / LOC
Sarah Rauch/Sarah Rauch

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