Special Olympics

Games with heart in Styria are open

The Special Olympics flame was lit on Thursday in Schladming and Graz.(Bild: GEPA pictures/ Harald Steiner)

After the emotional ceremonies on Thursday evening, from Friday Graz, Ramsau, Schladming and Seiersberg will be all about Special Olympics.

Four days (from Friday to Monday inclusive), four venues (Ramsau, Schladming, Seiersberg and Graz), ten competitions (from climbing to alpine skiing, from figure skating to snowshoeing), 108 unified partners, 442 coaches, 600 volunteers and 1000 athletes from eight nations - these are the bare figures of the Special Olympics National Games.

But these competitions are about much more than winning or losing. The focus is on togetherness, respect and appreciation, overcoming supposed barriers and boundaries together. This is also the motto of the games: "Together without borders".

The emotional opening ceremony.(Bild: Pail Marcel)

The very special flair, the spirit of this very special major event was already omnipresent on Thursday evening at the opening in Schladming and in the Graz Sports Park. Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler, Governor Christopher Drexler, Provincial Councillors Karlheinz Kornhäusl and Doris Kampus, mayors Werner Baumann, Hermann Trinker and Ernst Fischbacher as well as sports aces Arvid Auner and Hans Knauß were among those with goosebumps.

Among others at the Graz Sports Park (from left): Arvid Auner, Peter Ritter, Christopher Drexler, Doris Kampus, Werner Kogler, Kurt Hohensinner, Werner Baumann.(Bild: Pail Marcel)

The highlights after the delegations marched in were, of course, the lighting of the Special Olympics flame and the spoken oath: "I want to win! But if I can't win, I will bravely do my best."

Special Olympics President Peter Ritter is also full of anticipation: "Styria gives our athletes the feeling of coming home. Because appreciation, acceptance and recognition of their performance are crucial. They train just as hard as other athletes, with just as much passion, with exactly the same strength. And they deserve just as much applause. This appreciation and respect is absolutely given in Styria."

By the way: All sports competitions and award ceremonies are free to attend!