500 days to go! The German National Games for people with intellectual and multiple disabilities are scheduled: Special Olympic Germany and the Local Organizing Committee of the event announced that it will take place from 19–24 June 2022.
The major national sports event is the gate to the international stage: All participating athletes of the so-called Pre-Games will have the chance to qualify for the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 (17-24 June), which are hosted for the very first time in Germany.
Dennis Mellentin, the spokesperson for athletes of the region Berlin/Brandenburg, says: “Currently we, the athletes, cannot exercise our sports due to the corona situation. A lot of events have been cancelled this year. By scheduling the date for the German National Games 2022, everyone innvolved in the movement of Special Olympics is looking forward joyfully to an impactful event. And I am sure: My hometown of Berlin will welcome all athletes with open arms.”
The German National Summer Games are held every four years. They are a major highlight for up to 5000 athletes and Unified® partners (including 400 international participants) in more than 20 sports.
At the same time the event offers a wide range of health programs, colorful festivals and much more –it is all about people with or without ID coming together. With up to 3000 volunteers and 2000 coaches, the Pre-Games will be one of the largest sports event of 2022.
The qualification for the German National Games was intended to start at German regional games and further competitions in 2021. Most of the events have been already cancelled for this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, Special Olympics Germany, its regional federations and the according national sports coordinators have changed the nomination of athletes to a nationwide consistent process.
