Potsdam celebrates Special Olympics: An unforgettable sports festival for everyone!

Potsdam celebrates Special Olympics: An unforgettable sports festival for everyone!

A sporting highlight took place in Potsdam last week from July 10th to 13th: the Special Olympics State Games. This event offered athletes with intellectual and multiple disabilities the opportunity to compete in various sports. Despite the unsettled weather and rainy conditions, participants in the disciplines of boccia, hockey, rowing, canoeing and swimming not only enjoyed the competition, but also the togetherness. Kevin Kuske, head of the bobsleigh sports department, and Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz were there as prominent supporters and made the event even more special. For the Special Olympics, which has existed since 1968, it is important to promote inclusion and recognition of people with disabilities, in keeping with the mission of giving back to athletes through sportenableme.deexplained.

But sport is just the beginning for many athletes. Fans can soon get ready for the U23 European Athletics Championships, which will take place from July 17th to 20th in Bergen, Norway. Tyrel Prenz from SC Potsdam will also compete in this exciting competition over 400 meters. Its first race will take place on Thursday at 1:15 p.m., followed by a semi-final on Friday, July 18, at 5:53 p.m. and the final on Saturday at 6:15 p.m. The anticipation for the event is great, especially since numerous athletes, such as sixth place finisher at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Niels Laros, have already had a taste of the international competitive atmosphere. Olympics.com reports that the German team will be bringing in some top-notch athletes, including a number of medalists from previous championships.

Start of the volleyball season and other sporting highlights

Volleyball fans also have reason to be happy: SC Potsdam's first men's team is starting the coming season in the Third League North. The season opening will take place on September 19th at 7:30 p.m. against VCO Berlin 2 in the home hall, followed by an away game on September 20th against USC Magdeburg. This promises exciting duels in the new season.

Another highlight in the region is Margarita Kolosov's participation in the FISU World University Games 2025, which will take place in the Rhine-Ruhr region from July 16th. Over 9,200 participants from over 150 nations are expected here, a great opportunity for togetherness and exchange. Kolosov, who has already finished fourth at the Olympic Games, will compete in Messe Essen. The national rhythmic gymnastics championships are scheduled for late July and early August in Dresden.

European Youth Festival on the way to Skopje

For the younger talents, the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) will take place from July 20th to 26th in Skopje, North Macedonia. Cäcilia Weimann and Chiara Wildner from athletics as well as the youth volleyball players Diyara Aydogan and Nele Drosihn represent SC Potsdam. Such competitions not only offer the chance to prove yourself athletically, but also to build anticipation for future Olympic Games. Germany would like to present itself here with strong performances and at the same time set an example for fairness and team spirit.

Overall, it shows that the sporting landscape in Potsdam and beyond is extremely lively. From the Special Olympics to national championships to international competitions, there is something for every sport. Promoting inclusion and supporting young talents are always a priority. And while the athletes prepare for their respective tasks, fans can look forward to the events to come.