A stele now commemorates the Special Olympics World Games in 2023.
© dpa
Almost two years after the Special Olympics World Games, a new commemorative plaque in the Olympic Stadium is intended to set a lasting example of inclusion at the historic site.
The 2023 World Games for people with intellectual and multiple disabilities were opened with an impressive ceremony in front of over 50,000 spectators in the Olympic Stadium, ushering in the world's largest inclusive sporting event.
"The installation of the information stele is a further step towards raising awareness of inclusion and diversity in sport. The Special Olympics World Games in Berlin have shown that every person, regardless of their abilities, deserves a place in sport and society," said Sven Albrecht, Federal Managing Director of Special Olympics Germany, at the inauguration of the stele. "The athletes have inspired us all and impressively demonstrated the power of sport."
The Games, which ran from June 17 to June 25, 2023, were the biggest sporting event in Germany since the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. Over 6,500 athletes from 170 nations competed in 26 disciplines. Athletes' spokesman Dennis Mellentin was delighted with the visible sign: "It was an incredible experience for the athletes to run in front of so many people in such an impressive stadium. During the World Games, we showed that we are not only equal in sport, but also in life. The information stele will help to spread our message further."