Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony is the first real "goosebumps" moment of every big sporting event. It will set the tone for the entire Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 and will provide a lasting impression.
Everyone can look forward to a spectacular show featuring well-known artists, the official Olympics ceremonial elements, and the highly anticipated Parade of Athletes.
We are happy to welcome the world to Germany and Berlin! Will you be there?
Visit the Opening Ceremony
When:
17 June 2023
Gates open: 18:00
Ceremony: 20:15 - 22:45
Where:
Olympic Stadium, Berlin
LEARN MORE
Price:
10 – 35 € (system fees included)
Seats are sold in blocks. You will purchase a seat in a designated block and get free seating inside your purchased area. To better understand the grandstands, visit the 360° tour of the stadium.
Accessibility:
See our Accessibility FAQ’s here or you can contact our team with any questions via visit@berlin2023.org.
Packages:
See our ticketing page for information on packages available.
Spectator Guide:
More information for the visit of the Opening Ceremony you will find here.
Our program
During the Opening Ceremony, the athletes will celebrate their upcoming participation in the Special Olympics World Games with their delegations and families, as well as volunteers, honored guests and spectators, and will take the central stage.
Speeches will highlight the importance of the Games for Berlin and Germany. In addition to the Parade of Athletes and the lighting of the Special Olympics Flame, an inclusive top-class show program will provide entertainment. The Opening Ceremony stands for inclusion, cosmopolitanism and diversity.
18:00: Doors open
18:45: Pre-show
20:15: Official start of the event
- Parade of Athletes
- First show element #UnbeatableTogether
- Greetings to the athletes by Timothy Shriver, President SOI, together with the International Athletes' Spokespersons
- Ceremonial part: raising the flag
- Second show element
- Oath of the athletes, coaches, officials
- Opening of #Berlin2023 by Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Lighting of the Special Olympics Flame
- Finale with Madcon and Games Song “Are You Ready”, Blue Man Group performance, fireworks and a surprise
22:55: End of the show
Dance with us!
"Are You Ready" by Madcon is the official Games Song for the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.
Together with Tanzsport Deutschland (DTV), the DTV Dance of the Year 2023 was developed. The choreography is kept simple and can be learned by all people with and without disabilities.
In this video we show you how it works. The more who dance along at the Opening Ceremony, the better!
Subtitled versions in German, Spanish and French are also available here.
