Special Olympics National Games Saarland 2026

The Saarland Games 2026 are the largest sporting event in the history of the federal state. A total of around 13,000 participants (athletes, coaches, volunteers, family members) and up to 100,000 spectators are expected. All competitions and events are free to attend.

The Games will be opened on Monday, June 15, 2026, with a grand ceremony in Saarbrücken — featuring an athletes' parade, the lighting of the torch, artistic performances, and welcomes from high-ranking political and sports representatives. The Closing Ceremony on Saturday, June 20, 2026, will conclude six days of competition, community, and lived inclusion.

Monday, June 15, 2026 — Opening Day

• Daytime — Arrival and accreditation of athletes and delegations
• Healthy Athletes program begins at the venues
• Evening — Grand Opening Ceremony in Saarbrücken with athletes' parade, torch lighting, and artistic program

Tuesday, June 16 – Friday, June 19, 2026 — Competition Days

• Competitions in 27 sports at ten venues:
• Saarbrücken — Athletics, Swimming, Basketball, other indoor sports
• Saarlouis — Football, Tennis, Table Tennis
• St. Wendel — Cycling around Bostalsee lake
• Nohfelden / Bostalsee — Sailing, Rowing
• Dillingen, Merzig, Völklingen, Neunkirchen, Homburg, Forbach (FR) — other disciplines
• Healthy Athletes screenings concurrently on all days
• Accompanying program: Athlete festivals, cultural events, family activities

Saturday, June 20, 2026 — Final Competitions and Closing

• Morning to Afternoon — final medal decisions
• Evening — Grand Closing Ceremony in Saarbrücken with the extinguishing of the torch and handover to the next host

Disciplines include, among others: Athletics, Swimming, Cycling, Powerlifting, Table Tennis, Tennis, Badminton, Bowling, Boccia, Basketball (3x3 and 5x5), Handball, Football, Hockey, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Rowing, Sailing, Equestrian, Dancing, Boules, Golf, Inline Skating, Judo, Alpine Skiing (demonstration), Volleyball, and more. Detailed schedule, discipline distribution, and venue profiles available at saarland2026.specialolympics.de.

• First time in Saarland — Germany's largest inclusive sports event
• Over 4,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities
• 27 sports at 10 venues
• Healthy Athletes program — free health screenings
• Up to 100,000 spectators expected
• Completely free admission

Getting to Saarbrücken

Saarbrücken Central Station is well-connected by ICE/TGV (Paris/Frankfurt). The A6 and A8 motorways connect Saarland with Mannheim, Frankfurt, Trier, and Luxembourg. Saarbrücken Airport (SCN) offers connections to Berlin, Hamburg, and a few other destinations.

Distribution of Competition Venues

The ten venues are all easily accessible by car, train, and Saarvv buses. Detailed maps and shuttle services will be provided on the official website.

Admission

Admission to all competitions, the opening and closing ceremonies, and the Healthy Athletes program is completely free. Tickets are not required.

Volunteer Program

Special Olympics Germany and the Saarland 2026 Organizing Committee are looking for thousands of volunteers for the Games. Registration is via the official website. Tasks range from supporting competitions, logistics, and catering to translation and language assistance.

Accommodation

Hotels in Saarbrücken and throughout Saarland will be partially fully booked during the Games — athletes and coaching staff have priority. External guests should book early; alternatives include Trier, Luxembourg, or the border region of Lorraine.

Current Information

Official website with all details, disciplines, schedules, and volunteer registration: saarland2026.specialolympics.de.