THE PROGRAM

Just like at the Olympic Games, there will also be a Torch Run at the Special Olympics. The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), is a long-standing tradition at the World Games that gets everyone in the mood for the upcoming event. The Special Olympics Flame of Hope™ will be lit in Athens, Greece, and will be carried through Germany before its ceremonial arrival at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023. The Torch Run will be taking place at the following locations in Berlin and Brandenburg between 14 and 17 June 2023:

• 14. June
  Fürstenwalde, Rüdersdorf, Bernau bei Berlin and Panketal, Eberswalde
• 15. June
  Rathenow, Brandenburg an der Havel, Kleinmachnow and Teltow, Potsdam
• 16. June
  Treptow-Köpenick, Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Lichtenberg, Mitte
• 17. June
  Mitte, Tempelhof-Schöneberg and Neukölln, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Spandau

Torch Run in the Host Towns

The Special Olympics Organisation has initiated the “Inclusion Day powered by Special Olympics World Games” as a supplement to the traditional LETR® Final Leg. Its aim is to create awareness of the Special Olympics movement throughout Germany.

This will give all the Host Towns the opportunity to celebrate their own Torch Runs together with the international delegations on 13 June 2023. SCHUFA staff will be taking part in the Torch Runs in the following cities:

• Berlin
• Cologne
• Hannover
• Wiesbaden

The Special Olympics Festival offers a varied range of activities with street food, a lively stage program, lots of opportunities to join in and sporting activities for all the participants in the World Games, visitors and Berliners. SCHUFA will also be there with an action stand.

When? 15 to 25 June 2023, opening hours: every day from 2 pm to 10 pm (on 17, 22 and 25 June the Festival will close at 7 pm).
Where? Neptunbrunnen, directly next to Alexanderplatz

There will also be festival activities in the Sommergarten. Award ceremonies will take place here alongside hands-on stands. Visitors will be able to get sporty themselves in non-competitive activities on a variety of stands.

When? 18 to 25 June 2023, opening hours: every day from 11 am to 7 pm
Where? The Messe Berlin Sommergarten

The Opening Ceremony is one of the highlights of the Special Olympics World Games and just like at every big sporting event will provide the first shivers down the spine. There’s plenty on offer from spectacular shows featuring famous artists to the Parade of Athletes. Volunteers can go to the Opening Ceremony free of charge.

When? 17 June 2023, entrance from 5 pm, the Opening Ceremony will be taking place from 7 pm to 9.30 pm
Where? Olympic Stadium, Berlin

The Closing Ceremony will not just be a big party but also an opportunity for all the athletes and visitors to celebrate their achievements, enjoy a sense of togetherness and to say goodbye. The Closing Ceremony is free of charge, but a free ticket must be obtained in advance.

When? 25 June 2023, entrance from 6 pm, the Closing Ceremony will be taking place from 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm
Where? Brandenburg Gate, Berlin