Inclusion through sport: Special Olympics state games start in Potsdam!

Inclusion through sport: Special Olympics state games start in Potsdam!

An exciting weekend awaits fans of the Special Olympics! Next Friday, July 14, 2025, the eagerly anticipated Brandenburg State Games of the Special Olympics will begin in Potsdam and Berlin. Over 1,600 athletes from all over Brandenburg will take part in the various competitions in five sports, ranging from water sports such as rowing and swimming to hockey and boccia. Matthias Pietschmann, President of the Special Olympics Brandenburg regional association, is pleased about the high level of popularity and emphasizes the importance of these games for inclusion in society. According to rbb24, the Special Olympics World Games 2023 have heralded an upward trend and significantly increased public awareness of people with disabilities.

At a recent press conference, the state games were described as a “lighthouse project” for inclusion in Brandenburg. State Secretary Hendrik Fischer and other guests from politics and sport emphasized the unifying power of sport. It is essential that people with disabilities have the same opportunities in sport as everyone else, according to [specialolympics.de](https://specialolympics.de/brandenburg/aktuelles/news/teil/ Feierlicher-auftakt-pressekonzept-zu-den-special-olympics-landesspiele-potsdam-2025).

A varied program

The state games not only offer sporting competitions, but also numerous inclusive supporting events where the focus is on encounters and exchange. Among other things, a large meeting festival is planned that will bring all participants and supporters together. Sports such as rowing, swimming, canoeing and bocce will take place in Potsdam, while hockey will be played on a sports field in the city. Particularly exciting: Rowing is officially part of the program for the first time, supported by the German Rowing Association.

In addition, non-competitive tournaments in biathlon, football and darts are a great opportunity for everyone to take part in the action - without any pressure. Health programs that offer on-site medical examinations are also an important aspect of these state games. According to Pietschmann, the focus should be on community, fun and the positive experiences of everyone involved. The association, which has tripled its membership since its founding in February 2021, strives to strengthen the participation of people with disabilities in society. This goes hand in hand with the clear message: Everyone should have the opportunity to decide how and where they do sport, as the inclusion pyramid also makes clear, which is described by specialolympics.de.

Social relevance and political support

The social added value of the Special Olympics is obvious. In recent years the movement has gained in importance, which is also reflected in increased attention in politics. Ministries such as those for education, youth and sport as well as those for health and social affairs support the state games financially. This underlines the importance of this event not only as a sporting event, but also as a social statement.

“Inclusion in sport is an important goal and we want to reach even more people,” said the president of the regional association. With a program aimed at broader participation, Brandenburg shows how inclusion can be practiced in sport and how important it is to break down barriers. The upcoming state games are a big step in the right direction and we can't wait to see what stories and encounters the athletes will bring home with them.