Games are over

The fire must continue to burn in the future

One of the two closing ceremonies of the Games was held in Schladming on Monday evening.(Bild: GEPA pictures/ Harald Steiner)

For five days, Styria was dominated by the Special Olympics. The closing ceremonies took place on Monday evening.

Last Thursday, the 7th National Winter Games of the Special Olympics in Graz and Schladming were opened in an emotional and atmospheric way. The closing ceremonies took place there on Monday evening, the Olympic flag was lowered and the flame was extinguished. But the fire that this major event has sparked in our province should, indeed must, continue to burn.

The Olympic flag was also lowered in Graz.(Bild: GEPA pictures/ Hans Oberlaender)

The 250 athletes and coaches from abroad (Greece, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Switzerland, Slovenia and Slovakia) were very impressed by the atmosphere, the enthusiasm and the high status of the Games here.

With these fantastic Winter Games, Styria has once again proven that it is the heart of Special Olympics.

Peter Ritter, Special Olympics Österreich

Many tears were shed at the competitions in Graz, Seiersberg, Schladming and Ramsau, tears of joy. And you rarely see so many hugs, jubilant scenes and beaming faces.

In addition to the 1000 athletes, the 600 volunteers also became heroes. "They have done a great job. We would never have been able to hold the games without them," emphasizes spokesperson Heri Hahn. Speaking of heroes: The WSV teams from Ramsau and Schladming saved the snow competitions in Upper Styria with incredible dedication, but on Monday they too had to call it a day due to the exceptionally warm temperatures.

What many would like to see in the future: even stronger cooperation with associations and clubs!