Pledge to make a difference, together.
Special Olympics is the world's largest sports movement for people with intellectual and multiple disabilities, officially recognized by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and represented in 174 countries with over 5 million athletes. There has been a regional Special Olympics sports project in Berlin since 1990, which was organized by dedicated sports clubs and institutions for the disabled. In 2006, the state association Special Olympics Berlin/Brandenburg (SOBB) was founded to become part of organized sport. Since 2021, the two federal states have each had their own state association. The state associations organized and carried out the Berlin/Brandenburg 2021 state games, for example. Our mission as a state association of the Special Olympics movement includes the following aspects: We are passionate about promoting participation and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. At the same time, we attach great importance to maintaining and promoting the physical health and personal development opportunities of people with disabilities in sport and beyond. The focus on social integration is another central pillar of our activities. Our efforts are geared towards actively integrating people with disabilities into society and at the same time breaking down existing barriers. We work hard to create a wide range of opportunities for people to come together. This includes targeted measures to bring people with and without disabilities together and thus make it easier for them to get to know each other. Our aim is to create an environment in which there is an atmosphere of openness and mutual respect. In this way, we help to break down prejudices and reservations and promote inclusive coexistence. But our mission goes even further. We support the personal development of each individual member and value the uniqueness that each person brings to the table. This is based on our high quality standards, which guide our actions in all areas. We are not only a place of togetherness, but also of competition and personal achievement. It is important to us that our infrastructure is fully accessible to everyone and that all barriers are removed. We are aware that our commitment is a long-term obligation that we pursue with perseverance and energy.