Opening Ceremony

Wow! Last night the Special Olympics World Games kicked off in style with a spectacular Opening Ceremony at historic Olympiastadion, Berlin – the venue for the infamous 1936 Berlin Olympic Games

After some exciting pre-entertainment, the formalities began about 8pm local time with the traditional Parade of Athletes.

50,000 spectators cheered loudly as all 7,000 athletes from over 180 delegations marched into the stadium in their teams, starting with the team from Greece, in honour of their founding role in the ancient Olympic Games.

Once each delegation did a lap of the stadium, a representative brought water from their home country to add to the ring of water around the stage which symbolised this extraordinary coming together under the banner 'Unbeatable Together".

Basketballer, Juliet Liddy was Australia’s water bearer who delicately poured the spirit of Australia into the ring of unity in front of over 100 Australian spectators who have travelled to Berlin to cheer on Team Australia.

Following a showcase of colour, light and sound, Dr Tim Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics addressed the crowd reminding us that the isolation of the last few years of COVID has given people a sense of the isolation that many Special Olympics athletes know only too well and overcome everyday.

Dr Shriver said, “We’ve been away from each other for too long. You know what it’s like to be isolated and to be told don’t come out. You are the experts of turning every form of pain and trauma into triumph. Your smiles are shining as bright as the stars tonight. I couldn’t be more proud of all of you. To the world, I challenge you, if you are searching for a reason to believe, come to Berlin and see how we overcome.”

After the Special Olympics Flag was raised and the Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Germany declared the Special Olympics World Games open, one of the most popular events on the agenda took place – the final leg of the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the lighting of the Cauldron.

Then it was time to party with aerialists, lights, music and fireworks before Madcon finished the show with the official World Games song - Are you Ready?

The Special Olympics Flag will fly in Olympiastadion until the World Games are officially closed after eight days of sport on 25 June 2023.

Let the Games begin! 

Photo Gallery

Opening Ceremony gallery, plus 3-min highlight video is  here