Delegation from Kosovo Visits Völklingen: Host Town Program of the Special Olympics National Games Saarland 2026

17.06.2026 City of Völklingen – Press Release No. 103/2026 Delegation from Kosovo Visits Völklingen: Host Town Program of the Special Olympics National Games Saarland 2026 In the run-up to the Special Olympics National Games Saarland 2026, the city of Völklingen participated in the so-called Host Town program. The aim of this program is to welcome foreign delegations participating in the National Games in Saarland municipalities, to accommodate and support them, and to introduce them to the region and its people. The city of Völklingen was assigned the delegation from Kosovo: a women's football team competing in the discipline "5-a-side Women Unified." The ten-member team, including the coaching staff, was greeted by Völklingen’s support team at Luxembourg Airport. At that time, the athletes had already completed a more than twelve-hour journey by plane, including a stopover in Istanbul. During their stay in Völklingen, the delegation enjoyed a varied program. This included visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Völklinger Hütte, the Saarschleife with its treetop walkway, as well as a Saarland barbecue supported by Lebenshilfe Völklingen. A special highlight was the official reception at the New Town Hall, where Mayor Stephan Tautz and Deputy Mayor Christof Sellen welcomed the guests. A warm atmosphere was created by a performance from children of Völklingen daycare centers. Furthermore, the delegation signed the Golden Book of the city of Völklingen. Even before the competitions began, sports played an important role: everyone enthusiastically supported the Germany versus Curaçao football match together. Another special highlight was the joint participation in the festive opening ceremony of the Special Olympics National Games at Ludwigsparkstadion in Saarbrücken. The Kosovo team consists of young women with and without intellectual disabilities. The athletes are between 17 and 36 years old and come from various cities in Kosovo. For some of them, this is their first trip abroad—without the accompaniment of their parents. The team is supported by coach Taulant Byqmeti, 32, and coach Melisa Osmani, 27. Both work as sports teachers in their hometown and are particularly committed to inclusion, participation, and the Olympic spirit. Mayor Stephan Tautz expressed his admiration for the encounter with the delegation: “The Host Town program makes visible the core of the Special Olympics: encounter, respect, participation, and lived inclusion. We are very pleased that Völklingen was able to be the host city for the delegation from Kosovo. The openness, warmth, and joy of the athletes touched us all. Such encounters build connections—between people, cultures, and nations.” The Host Town program in Völklingen was managed by the Department for Sports Promotion with Lars Hüsslein and Sophie Kleer, the Integration Officer Rachida Mathieu, and the volunteer Disability Officer Michaela Zieder. The team was supported by Lebenshilfe Völklingen, especially Diana Hecktor and Ralf Schneider. A special role was also played by Alba Hasanbelli-Lomberg, who acted as interpreter and thus built an important bridge between cultures. “We were surprised how large the Albanian and Kosovar community in Saarland is and how warmly the delegation was also welcomed from this side. Within this short time, our guests have grown very dear to us,” said the city of Völklingen’s organizing team. The team will continue to be supported by their host city’s team during the Games. Taulant Byqmeti and Melisa Osmani said, “Thank you very much for the great care and everything you do for us. We are very grateful to you.” With the Host Town program, Völklingen has sent a strong signal for openness to the world, inclusion, and international friendship. The encounters of the past days will remain a special memory for all involved—and hopefully give the athletes from Kosovo additional strength and motivation for their competitions at the Special Olympics National Games Saarland 2026. City of Völklingen, Department for Press and Public Relations New Town Hall | 66333 Völklingen Phone 0049 (0) 6898 / 13-2217 | Fax extension 13-2007 E-mail: presse@voelklingen.de | Web: www.voelklingen.de