Special Olympics Saarland 2026 — Hockey Neunkirchen

Special Olympics — Germany's Largest Inclusive Games

From June 15 to 20, 2026, Saarland will host the National Games of Special Olympics Germany for the first time — Germany's largest inclusive multi-sport event for people with intellectual disabilities. Over 13,000 participants, including around 4,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 2,500 volunteers, 2,500 participants in the accompanying program, and 1,500 family members and guests are expected. 27 sports in ten venues spread across Saarland and the French border region.

Neunkirchen — Main Venue for Hockey

One of the venues is the Dr-Otto-Jung Hockeypark in the Sportpark Neunkirchen, Kirkeler Straße 150. A true premiere will take place here: Hockey will debut as a competitive sport at the National Games for the first time. Eight inclusive teams with a total of around 80 athletes will compete against each other in group and final matches from June 15 to 20, 2026.

What does "inclusive team" mean?

Unlike a pure Special Olympics format, the hockey teams consist of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities playing together. The concept of "Unified Sports®" is a central hallmark of Special Olympics: training together, competing together, celebrating success together. This concept will be lived out in Neunkirchen on a fully developed hockey field.

The Dr-Otto-Jung Hockeypark

The Sportpark Neunkirchen with the Hockeypark is one of the better hockey facilities in Saarland — artificial turf field, grandstands, club house, full infrastructure. Home of SV Neunkirchen with an active hockey division. For the Special Olympics 2026, additional temporary grandstands and volunteer areas will be set up.

Free Admission — Spectators Explicitly Welcome

As with all Special Olympics competitions, admission to the venues is free. The organizers explicitly wish for an audience, cheering, and applause. Anyone who wants to support inclusive sports is cordially invited to watch a game — the hockey competitions will take place from Day 2 (June 16) onwards, with group stages, semifinals, and the final match.

What Neunkirchen Stands For

Neunkirchen, the district town in the district of the same name, has a strong sports and club culture — from SV Elversberg (professional football) to numerous smaller clubs. The city is pleased to be one of the host locations for the National Games and to host a historic moment for German hockey.

Beyond the National Games

Accompanying the competitions throughout Saarland: the Healthy Athletes® health program (fitness, hearing and dental check-ups, foot health), a family program, opening and closing ceremonies in Saarbrücken, cultural events. Those who want to experience the full spectrum should plan a multi-day stay, combining sports with culture and tourism.