On June 17, the Special Olympics World Games, also known as the world sports tournament for people with intellectual disabilities, opened in Berlin, Germany.
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| The 16th Special Olympics was held in Germany. (Source: Special Olympics) |
The opening ceremony took place with a spectacular display of light, sound and emotional performances, carefully choreographed. This was the first time Germany hosted this event.
This year's Special Olympics attracted about 7,000 athletes from 190 countries and territories around the world. The Vietnamese delegation participating in the Olympics is the Special Olympics Vietnam organization, with more than 10 people, including 6 athletes.
The colorful opening ceremony was held at the Olympia Stadium in Berlin, with the participation of the host country’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, many politicians and diplomats, including the Vietnamese Embassy in Berlin. About 50,000 spectators came to watch and cheer for the athletes competing during the 9-day event.
This is the 16th Special Olympics, the world's largest sports movement for people with intellectual disabilities and multiple disabilities, officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
From June 17-25, athletes will compete in 26 sports, arranged to take place in many areas of Berlin and about 300,000 people are expected to come to watch the competitions.
The performance of the participating athletes was checked to be able to compete in competitions with equal level between teams.
Before the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Vu Quang Minh, Counselor Chu Tuan Duc and Embassy officials visited the hotel, the accommodation of the Vietnamese sports delegation, to visit and encourage the delegation as well as the athletes competing in the Special Olympics.
The Ambassador wished the athletes good health and spirit so that they can compete confidently and wholeheartedly at the Olympics. On behalf of the delegation, Head of the delegation Doan Thi Hai Anh thanked the Embassy and Consulate General in Germany for their constant concern, visits and encouragement.
Ms. Hai Anh said that participating in the Special Olympics is a good opportunity for Vietnamese athletes to exchange and compete with athletes from all over the world. This program shows the concern of organizations and society for people with both physical and intellectual disabilities.
Participation in competitive and social activities helps people with intellectual disabilities gain more recognition, become more confident and ultimately participate more in society.
At the event, Vietnamese athletes will compete in three sports: athletics, swimming and bocce. They were selected based on their good performance at the Ho Chi Minh City Open Sports Tournament for the Disabled in 2022.
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