Gold, silver and bronze: RC Plaue inspires at the Special Olympics!

Gold, silver and bronze: RC Plaue inspires at the Special Olympics!

Last weekend the Special Olympics State Games took place in Potsdam, where the Plaue Rowing Club shone with remarkable performances. The event was ceremoniously opened with the symbolic lighting of the Olympic flame and an entertaining program with music created a great atmosphere. Matthias Pietschmann, a contact person at Lebenshilfe Brandenburg, gave moving words at the closing event that underlined the importance of inclusion in sport.

The rowing competitions started on Friday and the RC Plaue athletes showed off their skills on the water. Andreas Meier from Lebenshilfe Brandenburg demonstrated his talent by taking 3rd place in the singles heat. In the two-man race, he and his unified partner Linda Betker achieved second place. Karl Pfeiffer and Edgar Steffens also did well in the pair and took second place.

Successful medal awarding

In the final on Saturday, Andreas Meier once again caused a stir. With a strong final sprint he secured the silver medal in the single sculls. His teammate Karl Pfeiffer, together with Edgar Steffens, won the bronze medal in the pair. But the highlight of the event was certainly the impressive victory of Andreas and Linda, who brought home the gold medal with a fantastic performance in the pair.

Rowing was part of the Special Olympics State Games for the first time this year, which made the event even more meaningful. It was also a recognition competition for the upcoming 2026 National Games in Saarland, which increased the pressure and anticipation among the participants.

Inclusion in sport

The event reflects the core concern of inclusion in sport, which promotes access for all people with disabilities. This is particularly clear in the example of the Hevella rowing club in Spandau, which actively practices inclusion by having people with and without handicaps row together. Coach Monika Tampe and the club members report a family team spirit that makes the sport accessible to everyone. Rowing allows these people to develop their skills and pursue their hobbies in a supportive environment.

The inclusion pyramid, presented by the Special Olympics regional association, shows how important it is to break down barriers in people's minds and ensure that everyone - regardless of ability - has the opportunity to play sport. The different levels of the pyramid illustrate the importance of events, competition situations and the involvement of families in sport. Disabled and non-disabled people doing sports together is a crucial step towards acceptance and participation.

The participants of the Special Olympics State Games went home not only with medals, but also with unforgettable impressions. Their achievements are a sign of lived inclusion and a way in which our society can develop further to break down barriers, both in architecture and in communication.

The proud athletes who took part in the state games not only celebrated successes, but also provided important impetus for a more inclusive future. Such events are more than just competitions; They are opportunities for exchange, acceptance and coexistence for all people – with and without disabilities.

For further details about the Special Olympics and inclusion in sport, you can contact meetingpoint-potsdam.de, rbb24.de and Visit landesverbaende.specialolympics.de.