Special Olympics National Games Saarland 2026

Special Olympics — the world's largest inclusive sports movement

Founded in the USA in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics is today the world's largest sports movement for people with intellectual disabilities. In Germany, Special Olympics Deutschland (SOD) organizes the National Games every four years — a multi-sport event modeled on the Olympics, with an opening ceremony, athlete's oath, competitions in numerous disciplines, and a closing ceremony. After Berlin 2022 (which also hosted the Special Olympics World Games 2023) and Hannover 2024, it's Saarland's turn in 2026 — the smallest federal state is hosting this major event for the first time in its history.

Over 4,000 athletes in 27 sports

For six days, athletes will compete in 27 sports — from classic athletics, swimming, cycling, powerlifting, table tennis, tennis, badminton, bowling, boccia, basketball (3x3 and 5x5), handball, football, and hockey to sports such as rhythmic gymnastics, rowing, sailing, equestrian, and dancing. Every athlete competes in a division that matches their individual ability level — a core principle of Special Olympics that enables genuine competition for everyone.

Ten venues in Saarland and France

Spread across the entire Saarland region and neighboring Lorraine, the competitions will take place at ten venues: Saarbrücken (main venue with opening and closing ceremonies), Nohfelden, St. Wendel, Dillingen, Saarlouis, Homburg (expected), Merzig, Neunkirchen, Völklingen, and Forbach (France). This cross-border hosting is a deliberate statement for German-French friendship and the Saar-Lor-Lux region as a living space.

Healthy Athletes — more than just competition

A central component of Special Olympics is the 'Healthy Athletes' program, which offers free health screenings for athletes in parallel with the competitions — in five areas: movement, hearing, teeth, vision, and lifestyle. For many athletes, this is the only opportunity to receive professional medical examinations in a disability-friendly environment. Healthy Athletes thus contributes to healthcare far beyond the actual sports event.

100,000 spectators and free admission

Up to 100,000 spectators are expected over the six days — one of the largest mass events Saarland has ever seen. All competitions and activities are free to attend. Saarland consciously applied to be the host: with short distances, a dedicated inclusion community, and its proximity to France, the federal state is predestined for an inclusive major event of this magnitude.

Opening and Closing Ceremonies in Saarbrücken

The official Opening Ceremony on June 15, 2026, and the Closing Ceremony on June 20, 2026, will take place in Saarbrücken — the exact locations will be announced in advance (Ludwigsparkstadion, Saarland-Therme, or one of the large indoor arenas are being considered). There will be fireworks, artistic performances, the lighting of the torch, and a moving athletes' parade.

Saarbrücken as the main venue

Saarbrücken is the state capital of Saarland and, with almost 180,000 inhabitants, by far the largest city in the federal state. Several major sports facilities within the Saarbrücken regional association will be used for the competitions — from the Ludwigsparkstadion and Saarland-Therme to the Joachim-Deckarm-Halle. The choice of Saarbrücken as the main venue underscores the city's central role in Saarland's sports scene.