Emotional graduation ceremony: Special Olympics in Heilbronn inspire everyone!

Emotional graduation ceremony: Special Olympics in Heilbronn inspire everyone!

The national games of the Special Olympics in Heilbronn and Neckarsulm found their duly conclusion last weekend with an emotional graduation ceremony in the Franconian Stadium. Over 1,100 athletes showed their sports spirit at this event, while the audience stood behind them with great enthusiasm and a strong sense of community, such as SWR reported.

Mayor Harry Mergel, who was also present at the closing ceremony, emphasized the importance of inclusion and team spirit during these national games. The event was characterized by great emotions and the impressive performance of the participants. A minute's silence also honored a 20-year-old athlete who was tragically killed shortly before the games.

a smooth process

Immediately after the closing ceremony, around 800 volunteers started reducing the sports facilities, which should be completed by Wednesday. These helpers, some of them old acquaintances, others for the first time, reported positive experiences and great community education during the games. The application portal for volunteers even had to be closed prematurely, the response was so great.

It should be emphasized that the sports facilities were in the middle of the city center. This brought many “random encounters” between spectators and organizers and was considered a great success overall. The leisure activities, including the beach volleyball fields at Heilbronn Bollwerksturm, remain accessible to the population by the end of August. For this purpose, around 300 tons of sand were made.

inclusion in sport

The topic of inclusion is becoming increasingly important outside of the national games. According to a BGW research report, 62.5 % of the people surveyed actively participated in sports. These results show how important the adaptation of offers in popular sports is. The high priority of specialist and assistance forces that contribute to the promotion of sporting activities is clearly recognizable.

The Special Olympics have already generated more attention through their social media communication and thus set standards that other sports organizations should also consider in the implementation of inclusive structures. In the coming year, the Special Olympics World Winter Games will take place in Turin, where the idea of inclusion is to be carried.