With a moving Opening Ceremony, the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 were officially opened in the Olympiastadion. It is hard to put into words what a unique atmosphere we were able to experience with you. Therefore, just briefly: Thank you!
"Are You Ready?" – our Games Song is also the decisive question for you: Are you ready for the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin?
The 50,000 people in the Olympiastadion would certainly answer this question with "yes!", because today we celebrated a unique festival of encounter, joy and inclusion at the big Opening Ceremony.
The parade of the delegations, accompanied by the enthralling music of the inclusive DJ collective "No Shade!", already provided many exuberant moments and overflowing emotions.
Even after the entry, hardly anyone of the athletes stayed in their seats. Everyone was dancing and celebrating, which led to a unique atmosphere.
After the parade of the delegations, the event continued with greetings from Mark Solomeyer (athlete spokesperson), Christiane Krajewski (President of Special Olympics Germany), Kai Wegner (Mayor of Berlin) and Nancy Faeser (Federal Minister of the Interior and Home Affairs), before the next show highlight was on the agenda.
Under the motto #UnbeatableTogether, the Blue Man Group Berlin together with many other performance artists made their first big appearance, followed by the emotional raising of the Special Olympics flag and the Special Olympics oaths.
And then the time came. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke the famous words: "I hereby declare the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 officially open!"
This was followed by the entrance of the Special Olympics flame, which – carried by proud athletes – took another lap of honor, as well as the performance of Madcon, which was awaited with much enthusiasm. This got the audience out of their seats again, as the question "Are You Ready?" was clearly answered by everyone dancing along to the Games Dance.
For the finale, colorful fireworks lit up the Berlin night sky, accompanied by the Blue Man Group. Now the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 are officially open and starting tomorrow, the athletes will compete together in 26 sports and show their best performances.
Be there and experience Special Olympics up close. Tickets can still be purchased online or at the venue (card payment only).
