Press Release / Event Notice
Torch relay and cycling in Medelsheim
In the run-up to the Special Olympics National Games Saarland 2026
With a torch relay day on Saturday, June 13, the Saarpfalz district is setting a visible sign for inclusion, community, and sporting respect in the run-up to the Special Olympics National Games Saarland 2026.
Two stages of the torch relay are embedded in the international stage of the LVM Saarland Trofeo. The traditional Trofeo is once again part of the UCI Junior Nations Cup from June 11 to 14, making it the most significant racing series worldwide in junior cycling. The visible inclusion of the Special Olympics National Games there stands for lived participation and the idea that sport connects people – regardless of performance level or personal limitation.
“Thus, our charming Medelsheim in the Parr comes into the focus of an extraordinary sporting togetherness,” rejoices Gersheim’s mayor Michael Clivot and president of the Saarland Trofeo supporters’ association, who will accompany the run and be involved in the torch handover – just like Medelsheim’s local head Janine Bieder.
The "Flame of Hope" is carried as a miner's lamp, specifically in the inclusive tandem of Helena Hoffmann and Tristan Vinzent.
Helena Hoffmann has been living in the Neues Haus Sonne, a facility for people in need of assistance in Walsheim, since she was 16 years old. She works in the wood workshop, which brings her great joy, and there she impresses daily with her craftsmanship. Despite her intellectual and physical disabilities, Helena is a very cheerful person. In her free time, the 36-year-old enjoys listening to music, dancing, knitting, and letting her imagination run free while painting.
Tristan Vinzent, 62, is an ultra-triathlete.
Since 2010, the athlete based in Ormesheim (Mandelbachtal) has completed 127 long-distance races in the IUTA World Cup series and is currently ranked 10th (men). But he is also a passionate musician. As an instrumental teacher
at the municipal music school St. Ingbert, he teaches all brass instruments, early musical education, recorder, classical percussion, and drum set. In addition, he has been leading the Bliesmengen-Bolchen music club since February 2025.
Bothcarry the "Flame of Hope" through Medelsheim, accompanied by, among others, residents and caregivers of the Neue Haus Sonne. Mandelbachtal's mayor Maria Vermeulen and the former German cyclist Andreas Walzer, race director of the LVM Saarland Trofeo, did not hesitate to confirm their participation in the torch relay.
“Unfortunately, I cannot be present in Medelsheim, but I am convinced that it will be a very special sporting event with great symbolic significance that will be remembered by the participants for a long time. I am pleased if as many people as possible support the event with their attendance,” emphasizes District Administrator Frank John.
The Trofeo individual time trial on this morning starts already at 9 o’clock. The race will be interrupted for the torchbearers, who will set off towards the Trofeo finish arch shortly after 10 o’clock. They will be cheered on by a cheerleading group from the Red Falcons of Zweibrücken. Afterwards, everyone will gather for a group photo on the square in front of the Medelsheim elementary school, where the Trofeo stage is set up for the later awards ceremony (around 11:30). Of course, there will also be an opportunity to refresh with drinks, sausages, and pretzels, provided by the Medelsheim elementary school support association and the Medelsheim shooting club. Furthermore, Gasthaus Weber will take care of the culinary supply for the helpers at the LVM Saarland Trofeo. And during the communal celebration, the winner of the individual time trial will be eagerly awaited.
Background
With a large torch relay day on Saturday, June 13, organized by the Saarpfalz district and Saarpfalz Tourism, the focus is on the largest inclusive multi-sport event of the year in Germany with around 4,300 athletes with intellectual disabilities. They will compete in 27 sports.On their journey, the Special Olympics "Flame of Hope" connects people, municipalities, and organizations, conveying community, inclusion, and anticipation for the upcoming sporting event.
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Photo: Sandra Brettar
Caption: Trofeo race director Andreas Walzer (left) and Mayor Michael Clivot are looking forward to an eventful morning on June 13th in Medelsheim.
