Special Olympics' 2026 flag officially designated by the United Nations
The Special Olympics National Games, the largest inclusive sports event ever to be held in Saarland, Germany, is set to take place from June 15 to June 20, 2026. This momentous occasion will bring together thousands of athletes with intellectual and multiple disabilities who have qualified from regional and state games across the country.
The games will take place in various cities across Saarland, with Völklingen proudly participating and adopting the slogan "Be There, Völklingen!". The campaign, named "Be There, Saarland!", was officially launched on June 17, 2025, at the Sportcampus Saar in Saarbrücken.
A Celebration of Life, Diversity, and Inclusion
Minister Jost, the Sport Minister, described the spirit of the event as a "celebration of life, diversity, and unshakable belief in the potential of each individual". Reinhold Jost emphasized the integrative character of the event, stating that cities and municipalities are the heart of the event. Clubs, companies, catering establishments, and individuals can use the campaign motifs to show support for inclusion and community.
Wide Range of Activities
The Special Olympics National Games will offer a wide range of activities. Competitions in up to 27 sports, various non-competitive events, and a fringe program will be offered during the games. The sports disciplines include athletics, soccer, basketball, judo, table tennis, badminton, bowling, and more.
Mayor Stephan Tautz of Völklingen expressed pride in the city's participation in the Special Olympics and its contribution to the Saarland community project. Alexander Indermark, President of Special Olympics Saarland, stated that the campaign aims to firmly anchor the topic of inclusion in everyone's consciousness.
A Call to Action
The campaign encourages the public to get involved early and pave the way to the inclusive games in June 2026. Völklingen invites citizens to participate in the campaign and come by to take informational materials. Approximately 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the Special Olympics National Games in Saarland.
Joachim Tesche from LSVS emphasized the emotional dimension of the games, highlighting the feelings of pride, joy, and unity they evoke. The Special Olympics National Games in Saarland will be a true celebration of life, diversity, and inclusion.
Sources:
- Special Olympics National Games coming to Saarland in 2026
- Special Olympics National Games: Thousands of athletes to compete in Saarland
- Special Olympics National Games: Saarland to host largest inclusive sports event in Germany
- Special Olympics National Games: A celebration of life, diversity, and inclusion
- Special Olympics National Games: Engaging the population early
Sports enthusiasts in Völklingen are encouraged to join the celebration of life, diversity, and inclusion by participating in the Special Olympics National Games, a wide range of activities including competitions in up to 27 sports like athletics, soccer, and basketball, taking place from June 15 to June 20, 2026, across Saarland, Germany.
