Hand in Hand for Greater Inclusion: SPORTFIVE x Special Olympics Germany
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Special Olympics represents inclusion, visibility, and the conviction that sport can inspire, connect, and be a place for everyone. As a partner of Special Olympics Germany, SPORTFIVE is committed to supporting this mission, helping to increase the visibility of inclusive sport across Germany and drive its sustainable development.
In this Insight:
Sport for All
Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports movement for people with intellectual disabilities. Yet the experience goes far beyond competition. It is about the joy of participation, individual accomplishments, and giving athletes the chance to demonstrate their talents on a public stage.
The Games give visibility to people who have too often remained unseen in sport. They powerfully demonstrate the talent, determination, and potential of the athletes while reinforcing the importance of equal opportunities for all. This is what makes the Special Olympics movement so meaningful to everyone involved.
An Event That Makes an Impact
Special Olympics Germany is the nation’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities. Through competitions, training programs, and initiatives such as the Healthy Athletes program, it provides year-round opportunities for athletes to get active, develop their abilities, and reach their full potential.
One of its most important events is the National Games, held every two years. For many athletes, it is the pinnacle of their sporting journey and the goal they work towards for months, sometimes even years. Competitors from all over Germany come together to take part in a variety of sports, sharing a week filled with outstanding performances, personal achievements, and memorable experiences.
The National Games perfectly reflect the spirit of Special Olympics Germany: a love of sport, the excitement of competition, and the chance to showcase talent on a prominent stage.
The 2026 National Games in Saarland
From June 15 to 20, 2026, Saarland became the meeting place for Germany’s inclusive sports community. More than 4,000 athletes competed across 27 sports.
Yet the numbers tell only part of the story. Over the course of six days, the growing visibility and reach of Special Olympics became clear. More than 110,000 people engaged with the Games, whether on site, through media coverage, or at the many events surrounding the competitions. Throughout the week, the athletes’ performances and personal stories took center stage, highlighting what inclusion in sport can truly look like.
A wide range of activities beyond the competitions also contributed to the atmosphere. The opening ceremony, athletes’ disco, and festival along the banks of the Saar created opportunities for connection and shared experiences. At the same time, the Healthy Athletes program offered participants free health screenings and expert advice. As a result, the National Games became more than just a week of sport. They became a place where connection, visibility, and inclusion were brought to life in a natural and meaningful way.
The 2026 National Games in Numbers
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Athletes took part in the games
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SPORTFIVE and Special Olympics Germany: Hand in Hand
For events like these to grow, gain visibility, and create lasting impact, they need people and organizations that believe in their mission and support it over the long term.
That is exactly why SPORTFIVE is the commercial partner of Special Olympics Germany. What inspires us is not only the athletes’ performances on the field of play, but also the enthusiasm, openness, and joy that define the movement. The partnership gives us the opportunity to help ensure that these stories receive the attention they deserve and that inclusive sport gains greater visibility.
Partnerships play a vital role in this effort. They help expand reach, attract new supporters, and strengthen the work of Special Olympics Germany for the future. For SPORTFIVE, this collaboration therefore goes far beyond supporting individual events. It reflects our commitment to championing issues that matter, both in and beyond sport.
Find out more about this partnership here.
At the Heart of the Action
This partnership was not only something that existed on paper at the National Games in Saarland, it came to life. SPORTFIVE was on site and actively involved throughout the event. Eight colleagues volunteered in the 3x3 basketball competition, supporting a wide range of activities, from event organization and athlete assistance to on-court moderation.
A particularly special moment came with SPORTFIVE employee Levin Hennings, who competed in athletics as an athlete himself. For many colleagues, the days in Saarland provided an opportunity to experience Special Olympics from a completely new perspective and witness first-hand the many memorable moments that made the event so unique.
That is exactly what makes our partnership with Special Olympics Germany so meaningful. It goes far beyond a commitment on paper and is brought to life by the people involved. Once again, the National Games demonstrated the passion, dedication, and sense of community that define this movement, and why it is so important to continue providing it with a strong platform in the years to come.
