There will be a varied program throughout the entire period of the World Games (17 to 25 June 2023). In addition to sport, there will also be plenty of culture. People from different nations will come together with one goal in mind: to raise awareness of inclusion. Here is an initial overview:
As at the Olympic Games, there will also be a torch run at the Special Olympics. The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) has a long-standing tradition at the World Games and gets everyone excited about the upcoming event. The Special Olympics Flame of Hope™ will be lit in Athens, Greece, and will travel through Germany before arriving at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023. The torch relay will take place from June 14 to 17, 2023 at the following locations in Berlin and Brandenburg
| June 14 | Fürstenwalde, Rüdersdorf, Bernau near Berlin and Panketal, Eberswalde |
| June 15 | Rathenow, Brandenburg an der Havel, Kleinmachnow and Teltow, Potsdam |
| June 16 | Treptow-Köpenick, Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Lichtenberg, Mitte |
| June 17 | Mitte, Tempelhof-Schöneberg and Neukölln, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Spandau |
The Special Olympics organization has launched the initiative "Inclusion Day powered by Special Olympics World Games" as an additional program to the traditional LETR® Final Leg. The aim is to raise awareness of the Special Olympics movement throughout Germany.
As part of this, all host towns will have the opportunity to celebrate their own torch relay together with the international delegations on June 13, 2023. SCHUFA will take part in the torch runs in the following cities with colleagues from the locations:
- Berlin
- Cologne
- Hanover
- Wiesbaden
The Special Olympics Festival offers a wide range of street food. A colorful stage program, many hands-on activities and sports activities for all participants of the World Games, visitors and Berliners. SCHUFA will also be on site with an activity stand.
WhenJune 15 to 25, 2023, opening hours: daily from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. (The festival closes at 7 p.m. on June 17, 22 and 25).
WhereNeptune Fountain, right next to Alexanderplatz
There will also be festival activities in the summer garden. In addition to hands-on stands, award ceremonies will take place here. Visitors can get active themselves at the various non-competitive stations.
When: June 18 to 25, 2023, opening hours: daily from 11:00 to 19:00
Where: Summer Garden at Messe Berlin
The opening ceremony is one of the highlights of the Special Olympics World Games and, as with every major sporting event, offers goosebump-inducing moments. From spectacular show elements by well-known artists to the entry of the delegations, there is plenty on offer here. Volunteers receive free admission to the opening ceremony.
When: June 17, 2023, admission from 17:00, the opening ceremony is from 19:00 to 21:30
Where: Olympiastadion, Berlin
The closing ceremony is not only a big party, but also an opportunity for all athletes and visitors to celebrate their achievements, enjoy being together and say goodbye. The closing ceremony is free of charge, but a free ticket must be purchased.
When: June 25, 2023, admission from 18:00, the closing ceremony is from 19:30 to 22:00
Where: Brandenburg Gate, Berlin