Countdown to the Games
0 DAYS
0 HRS
0 MINS
0 SECS
17-25 June 2023
News

Great jubilation at the announcement of Team SOD

In the photo, three Special Olympcis Germany athletes are cheering for the camera. They have just learned that they will be allowed to compete for Team SOD at the World Games in powerlifting.

Team Special Olympics Germany (Team SOD) is ready: 414 athletes will compete for medals and successes at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, athletes from fifteen states will participate in 25 of a total of 26 sports for Germany.

To wear the national colors at one of the biggest sporting events in the world, to represent Germany in competition with international athletes – that is the goal of many ambitious athletes.

For 414 Special Olympics athletes from Germany, this dream will become reality next year. Then they will compete for Team SOD at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.

"It was a big surprise that I will be part of it and I am very happy. After Los Angeles, this is the second time I will be at the World Games," says table tennis athlete Katrin Kerkau.

The team of 414 athletes includes 58 Unified partners. In Unified Sports®, a form of competition organized by Special Olympics, people with disabilities and people without disabilities compete together.

In the photo, all of the Team SOD participants and nominees are cheering in anticipation towards the camera. They have just learned that they will be allowed to participate in the World Games.
1  of  9
The photo shows an interview situation during the event to announce the nominees for Team SOD at the World Games. The athlete being interviewed is part of the delegation in football.
2  of  9
The photo shows a Special Olympics Germany athlete focused and in action while demonstrating the squat as a part of powerlifting.
3  of  9
The photo shows two women competing together as Unified double in table tennis. While the picture was taken, the two gave each other a high five after making a point in the match.
4  of  9
In the photo, three German athletes are sitting on a bench in their official powerlifting outfits. They have just demonstrated their sport for media representatives.
5  of  9
The photo shows the stage with four people during the presentation of Team SOD for the World Games. A Unified partner in table tennis is speaking into the microphone.
6  of  9
In the photo you can see a football player in action. He is part of the German delegation for the World Games.
7  of  9
The photo shows an athlete in action. She is highly concentrated while playing table tennis.
8  of  9
In the photo, three Special Olympcis Germany athletes are cheering for the camera. They have just learned that they will be allowed to compete for Team SOD at the World Games in powerlifting.
9  of  9
1  of  9

When the nominations were announced at a press event in Berlin, there were a number of athletes present who were delighted and surprised, and the jubilation was correspondingly great. They presented their sports powerlifting, Unified table tennis and football for media representatives.

 
The complete list of nominees is available in German here.

 
Facts about Team SOD

  • 414 athletes in 25 sports, including 58 Unified partners
  • 128 coaches
  • The biggest sports: 55 athletes in soccer, 40 each in basketball and futsal and 36 in handball.
  • The smallest sports: 4 athletes in sailing and 2 in gymnastics.
Share

Recent news

Berlin 2023 team says thank you and see you soon!

31 July 2023, 10:40
An unforgettable journey lies behind us. Together we have taken the Special Olympics movement another step forward, given Germany and Berlin an important push for more inclusion and created moments for eternity. And for that, we want to thank you one last time.

Successful Games and responsibility for everyday life

28 June 2023, 16:24
With a brilliant fireworks display in the Berlin summer sky and the extinguishing of the flame, the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 came to a glorious close last Sunday. It was the end of the Games, but by no means the finale in terms of what needs to be done for inclusion.

Extraordinary commitment – our volunteers at the Games

27 June 2023, 11:32
Our volunteers in their distinctive purple shirts were everywhere. Without them, the Special Olympics World Games would not have been such a great success for everyone. Therefore, they deserve a huge thank you!