National Games Saarland 2026 Set New Standards for Special Olympics in Germany Berlin, July 30 - For six days, Saarland demonstrated the potential that arises when people with intellectual disabilities get the stage they deserve. With outstanding individual performances, unprecedented social and media attention, and numerous innovations, the Special Olympics National Games Saarland 2026 have set new standards for inclusive sports in Germany.
Athletes in the Spotlight From June 15 to 20, 4,029 athletes, including 436 Unified partners without disabilities and twelve international delegations – more than ever before at National Games – took center stage. They showcased their skills in 27 sports, including five new disciplines, clearly demonstrating what Special Olympics stands for: joy in sports, a strong community, and unforgettable encounters. Around 16,000 people celebrated the official start of this special week at the opening ceremony in Ludwigspark Stadium in Saarbrücken.
For the first time, National Games took place in the southwest of Germany and thus in the heart of Europe. For the first time, competitions were held across an entire federal state. For the first time, a cross-border competition led to France. With the Host Town Program held for the first time at the National Games, modeled after the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, the inclusive spirit was brought into the communities even before the opening. The torch relay connected Berlin with Saarland and passed through all Saarland districts – more than 20,000 people took part in the runs, thus setting another visible sign of a strong community.
Beyond the National Games, Saarland has specifically invested in expanding low-barrier sports facilities and strengthening sports infrastructure. This creates sustainable conditions for all people to engage in sports and participate equally in life.
"The National Games in Saarland impressively showed what is possible when an entire federal state lives inclusion. Athletes were in the spotlight – in sports venues, in the media, and in public perception. That’s exactly what we are about: sustainably strengthening Special Olympics in Germany and giving people with intellectual disabilities the visibility they deserve. Saarland has set new standards for that," says Christiane Krajewski, President of Special Olympics Germany.
Visibility Far Beyond Saarland The National Games reached a million-strong audience far beyond Saarland. More than 110,000 visitors experienced the competitions on site. Around 9,700 schoolchildren ensured full sports venues and a unique atmosphere together with 374 school and fan groups. The coverage and extensive commitment of the media alliance, composed of the eight largest German media houses, as well as more than 1,200 publications in June alone, made the athletes' achievements visible nationwide. Additionally, there were around eight million contacts via the Special Olympics Germany social media channels. The opening ceremony alone, with 16,000 guests at Saarbrücken’s Ludwigspark Stadium, achieved a market share of 14 percent on Saarländischer Rundfunk.
A Strong Community Supports the Games Behind the scenes, the National Games were also an expression of a strong community.
About 2,500 volunteers – including nearly 500 corporate volunteers from 21 companies as well as 77 inclusive volunteers – contributed significantly to the success together with 33 partners and sponsors. Within the Healthy Athletes Program, 2,750 health examinations were conducted, in which more than 1,350 athletes participated.
For Dennis Mellentin, Vice President Athletes of Special Olympics Germany, one thing remains especially memorable: "This week showed what happens when people with intellectual disabilities are naturally put in the spotlight. They were recognized as athletes, could give their best, and received incredible appreciation. I hope that exactly this feeling remains far beyond the National Games – because inclusion does not end with the closing ceremony." A New Beginning for More Participation The Special Olympics National Games Saarland 2026 were much more than the largest multi-sport event in Germany. They showed what power sport can unleash when it brings people together. Encounters took place at the sports venues, in the host communities, in schools, companies, and clubs. They made athletes visible, reduced barriers of apprehension, and strengthened understanding of inclusion.
The National Games in Saarland are therefore not only an outstanding milestone in the history of Special Olympics Germany. They are a new beginning for more visibility of people with intellectual disabilities, for more participation, and for a society where inclusion is lived naturally.
Highlight Clip:
6 Days That Last – Saarland 2026: https://youtu.be/KJ2snjr6A5w Photos:
The photos are available for free use with credit.
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Media contact:
Nadine Baethke nadine.baethke@specialolympics.de
