Als Forscher:in zu den Special Olympics World Games

SOWG © Sarah Rauch/LOC

09.01.2023
Special Olympics World Games Berlin: join a researcher!

Brain City Berlin

#TogetherUnbeatable: The Special Olympics World Games 2023 will be held in the sports metropolis of Berlin from 17 to 25 June. Researchers can scientifically accompany the world’s largest inclusive sports event in the Brain City Berlin. The application deadline is 28 February 2023.

Around 7,000 athletes from more than 190 nations will take part in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin, which will be held in the sports metropolis of Berlin in June 2023 – and therefore for the first time in Germany. The objective of the world’s largest inclusive sports event: To give people with intellectual disabilities more recognition and at the same time enable them to participate more in society. The Special Olympics World Games (SOWG) are also intended to pave the way for more inclusion and diversity in sport. It is about learning from each other and strengthening each other. This is the original idea behind the Special Olympics movement, which was launched in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy-Shriver – the sister of former US President John F. Kennedy. Since then, the Special Olympics World Games have been held regularly.

Under the motto #TogetherUnbeatable, the Special Olympics World Games will take place in Berlin in 2023 for the 16th time. Eight locations are being considered, including the Olympiapark as well as Wannsee or the so-called CityCluster in the centre of the city, around the Brandenburg Gate. And while the regular Summer Olympics have competitions in about 33 sports, the Special Olympics World Games have 26! From badminton to apparatus gymnastics and athletics to horse riding or cycling. The Games 2023 will be flanked by the “Host Town Program”: As part of the largest municipal inclusion project in the history of the Federal Republic, 216 selected municipal projects nationwide welcome athletes from all over the world. There are a total of eight projects in Berlin.

Many opportunities to contribute scientifically

Until 28 February 2023, scientific teams can apply with research ideas using an Online form. Ideas for theses can also be submitted. The focus is on the topics “Attitude”, “Health” and “Legacy”. Particular importance is attached to questions relating to the “Attitude” area. The aim is to investigate whether the self-assessment of athletes with mental disabilities as a result of their participation in the Special Olympics World Games has changed – or to what extent the attitude of fans, volunteers and the public towards athletes with disabilities has improved. Here are some suggestions for ideas from the SOWG.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) offers universities and colleges the opportunity to get involved through projects. The Official SOWG project catalogue for academic collaboration provides suggestions for ideas.

Scientists from the Brain City Berlin can also take part in the Special Olympic Games 2023 as volunteers. A total of 20,000 volunteers are being sought for the #TeamVolunteer to make the games in Berlin an unforgettable festival of encounters for athletes and fans from all over the world! (vdo)

Pre-register for the Volunteer program by 31 January at volunteers@berlin2023.org