“The Games are of gigantic importance”
Berlin is hosting the Special Olympics 2023. SOD President Krajewski talks about her expectation before the start.
Ms Krajewsi, the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 are about to start. What is the mood like in the 414-strong team of German athletes?
There is a huge sense of anticipation – everyone is feverishly awaiting the day of the opening ceremony on 17 June at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. The German SOD team is big and you can definitely feel the excitement. The athletes now realise that it’s very special to have the Games in their own country and that they also have the chance to act as ambassadors for the whole of Germany to the other athletes from all over the world.
What kind of opportunities are available in general in Germany for people with mental disabilities?
Unfortunately, only eight per cent of those with intellectual disabilities actively pursue sports. That’s something we definitely want to change: exercise is fundamental for health and a human right. Ultimately, our goal is for everybody to have the chance to do sports on a regular basis in the community, at a club - in an inclusive situation. But we have to take into account the fact that many live and work in institutions. That’s why we need to promote sports in these institutions as well as do more to network between the sports clubs and the facilities for people with disabilities.
How important are the World Games in Berlin in terms of achieving these objectives?
Enormously important. They are a beacon. There has already been a huge driver effect for the development of #ZusammenInklusiv, Germany’s biggest inclusion movement. The 2022 National Games have already succeeded in sustainably improving the visibility of the athletes. This will be multiplied at the World Games, especially as the Host Town Programme promotes the idea of Special Olympics throughout the country: before the Games, 216 municipalities in Germany will receive the some 190 delegations from all over the world. We also managed to organise a media alliance of the eleven video sports broadcasters for the World Games. This will give us another media boost. I very much hope that all this will help people in Germany gain a better understanding of the handicaps athletes with mental disabilities still have to deal with, but at the same time allow everyone to see how much they can benefit from regular sporting activities and a top-class event of this nature. The World Games are of gigantic importance in terms of our goal of enabling active people to pursue sports locally on a self-determined basis, just as they wish.
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Christiane Krajewski has been President of Special Olympics Germany (SOD) since 2014. Her previous positions include Minister of Finance and Minister of Social Affairs in Saarland.
