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19-24 June 2022
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The National Games Berlin 2022 are now open

The photo shows a scene of the Opening Ceremony of the National Games in Berlin. In the center is the big torch flame and around it are some people taking photos of it while cheering.
19.06.22, Berlin, Stadion An Der Alten Försterei / Foersterei, Eröffnungsfeier / Eroeffnungsfeier Im Bild: Foto © Sarah Rauch / LOC
Sarah Rauch/Sarah Rauch

Celebratory. Moving. Joyful. Colorful. The games have opened with a successful show in the Stadion An der Alte Försterei in Köpenick with 11,000 visitors.

Right from the start, the band "Mendecino" created a great atmosphere with hits like "Hey, was geht ab" or "An Tagen wie diesen". People danced happily to the songs of the inclusion band "Rockantrieb" and as the DJs "No shade" played their music, there were spontaneous polonaises across the lawn.

"We wish everyone at the Special Olympics lots of fun," said Iris Spranger, Berlin's Senator for the Interior, Digitalization and Sports. "You will have great games, every one of you is a winner. Show what you can because you are great!"

Juliane Seifert, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland: "This is the kick-off for next year's World Games. We will carry this idea of inclusion further into the world!"
 

The photo shows three people taking part in the Opening Ceremony of the National Games in Berlin and having fun. In the scene they take part in a dance polonaise.
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The photo shows a scene of the Opening Ceremony of the National Games in Berlin. In the center is the big torch flame and around it are some people taking photos of it while cheering.
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The photo shows the band MiA. performing at the Opening Ceremony of the National Games in Berlin.
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With "Let's make the molecules dance together", the Berlin band MiA. invited the guests to continue celebrating to thunderous applause and thrilled them with their hit. Supported by many, many wonderful artists and performers. Berlin bears in oversize, the Brandenburg Gate, giant balloons, music and light shows...

"We are strong together and sticking together is important to us," emphasized athlete spokesman of Special Olympics Germany, Mark Solomeyer. "I wish that we are finally noticed in the clubs. We are all unbeatable together!"

Special Olympics anthem "I win", raising of the flag by our "Faces of the Games", Robert Herberg and Lilly Binder, Special Olympics oath, the lighting of the flame and finally the sentence "I hereby declare the Games open" – gave endless goosebump moments.

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