The Special Olympics World Game Berlin 2023 Torch was ceremoniously presented in front of Brandenburger Tor in Berlin last Friday. The design includes elements of the #Berlin 2023 logo such as the Berlin Bear, Brandenburger Tor, TV Tower and the heart. The torch run itself not only has a great tradition, but is also a symbol for the starting signal of the Games and creates enormous anticipation.
Already on 7 June, the flame (Flame of Hope™) of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 will be traditionally lit in Athens (Greece) and brought to Berlin for the grand Opening Ceremony.
The design of the torch was created especially for #Berlin2023 and is truly unique. It features elements of our logo such as the Brandenburger Tor, the TV Tower, the Berlin Bear and the well-known heart, which also embodies our mascot Unity.
The new torch design was presented to the public for the first time in front of the Brandenburger Tor by Special Olympics athletes, police representatives and Christiane Krajewski (President of Special Olympics Germany).
The torch is a symbol of the power and vision of Special Olympics
Background info: TheLaw Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR)programme was founded 40 years ago by a US police officer and has been closely linked to Special Olympics ever since. More information can be found here.
"50 days before the start of the World Games, presenting the torch that will bring the Flame of Hope to Berlin in June is a special milestone on the way to the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. The torch is a symbol of the power and vision of Special Olympics to bring more attention and participation to people with intellectual and multiple disabilities," said Christiane Krajewski, President Special Olympics Germany (SOD).
Torch run far beyond the Olympiastadion
The torch run (LETR® Final Leg) will be led through Brandenburg and Berlin from 14 to 17 June, stopping at the host towns, and will be accompanied by Special Olympics athletes and police officers.
In addition, on 13 June the "Inclusion Day powered by Special Olympics" will take place as an additional program to the traditional LETR® Final Leg. On that day, host towns all over Germany have the opportunity to draw attention to the Special Olympics movement with their own torch run.
As a grand finale, the flame will arrive on 17 June at the Opening Ceremony in Berlin's Olympiastadion, celebrated in front of a breathtaking backdrop.
