The Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin have produced impressive sporting achievements by athletes with intellectual disabilities and illustrated the potential that sport has for the integration of people with intellectual and multiple disabilities - both nationally and internationally. This positive development continues.

On the initiative of the DOSB, which supported the Special Olympics team from Uganda in a pilot project last year before and during the Games, DOSB, Special Olympics Germany and Special Olympics Africa have joined forces to continue the legacy of the Games. In a project funded by the Federal Foreign Office, over 200 trainers will receive further training in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi by the end of the year. 

In the so-called 'Unified Sports' approach, they teach sports such as basketball, volleyball, football and floorball for people with and without disabilities.

Michaela Rohrbein, Director of Sports Development at the DOSB, spoke about the project. “I am pleased that with this project we can carry on the positive legacy of the Games in Berlin internationally and thus provide an impulse for a more inclusive society outside of German borders,” she said in a press release.

Special Olympics Germany and Special Olympics Africa also commented on the joint venture. “The trainer training in Africa is an important step to further promote inclusive sport and to give people with intellectual and multiple disabilities worldwide the opportunity to develop their sporting abilities and lead a self-determined life.

"By teaching sports and the unified sports approach, not only is participation promoted, but also the understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities in society is strengthened.”Sven Albrecht, Federal Managing Director of Special Olympics Germany," as reported by DOSB.

“Coaches teach the skills, attitude, values and spirit make true athletes," Charles Nyambe, President of Special Olympics Africa, said. "They are role models and character builders both on and off the field. Special Olympics coaches go one step further - they support athletes with intellectual disabilities in discovering their own strengths and abilities. 

"They encourage them and challenge them to build on those strengths and improve every day.” The project is funded by the Federal Foreign Office as part of the international sports funding of foreign cultural and educational policy, as well as Special Olympics International.