The Special Olympics World Summer Games 2023 is the 16th Special Olympics and is being held in Berlin, Germany from 17 to 25 June 2023. The games will be composed of 24 summer sports. Thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities will compete together in 26 summer sports and Unified Sports in Berlin. The event is the world’s largest inclusive sports event.
The Special Olympics World Games 2023 is poised to make an indelible mark on the global stage, and the facts and figures surrounding this monumental event are nothing short of awe-inspiring. From the sheer number of athletes participating to the extensive reach and impact of the games, these statistics reflect the unwavering commitment to inclusivity, unity, and excellence. As we delve into the extraordinary data, we uncover a tapestry of triumphs, personal bests, and extraordinary achievements.
- 176 delegations arrived in Berlin this year.
- 9 days of competition (16 June to 25 June 2023)
- Medals are fought for in 8 sports venues in 24 sports
- Cheuk In Wai from Hong Kong won the first gold medal of the World Games in rhythmic gymnastics all-round competition on Sunday.
- Germany is the largest delegation with 573 participants.
- The largest regional teams come from the Special Olympics state associations of Baden-Württemberg (112) and North Rhine-Westphalia (111 people), the smallest from Rhineland-Palatinate (4) and Saarland (3).
- The smallest delegations, with each 2 Athletes: Belize, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Gambia, Guinea, Nauru, Palau, and St. Maarten.
- The oldest athlete Loretta Claiborne from the USA celebrates her 70th birthday in August.
- The youngest athlete, Valery Vera from Paraguay, is just 12 years old.
- Three athletes have participated in Special Olympics for more than 40 years!
- 51.5 percent of the athletes are men
- 100 doctors, 70 dentists and 715 students and trainees support the Healthy Athletes program.
- 18,000 volunteers from 126 countries help run the event.
- 9,000 family members and 3,000 coaches and support staff are involved.
- 216 municipalities hosted delegations prior to the Games.
- First-ever media alliance with more than 400 hours of live coverage
- Around 300,000 visitors expected in Berlin
The Special Olympics World Games 2023 is not just a celebration of athleticism; it is a testament to the human spirit, breaking barriers, and transforming lives. With every fact and figure, we are reminded of the boundless potential within every individual and the power of unity in creating a more inclusive world. As the Games draw near, we eagerly anticipate the remarkable stories and records that will be etched into history, forever inspiring generations to come.
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