Special Olympics and Beyond: How inclusive are sports?

In an increasingly diverse society, it is of great importance that sports are accessible and inclusive for all. Sports provide a unique opportunity to unite people of all abilities and backgrounds and break down barriers. But what is the current state of inclusion in sports? Are we on the right path, or is work still to be done?

With the upcoming Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, the important topic of inclusion in sports comes into focus. We spoke with Mark Solomeyer, the national athlete spokesperson and vice president of Special Olympics Germany, to learn about his experiences as an athlete and advocate. In this article, Mark shares his inspiring stories and valuable insights and tips on how you can actively contribute to promoting inclusion in sports.

Mark, how inclusive are sports in general nowadays? 

“It’s not very good, but it’s not bad either. On the one hand, we are addressing the issue of inclusion in sports, but on the other hand, we recognize the need for further measures and how much room for improvement there still is. In particular, many sports clubs lack inclusive sports offerings.”

What role can sports play in promoting an inclusive society? 

“Sports are extremely important for promoting an inclusive society because they show that things can be different in a club or workshop. By creating inclusive sports programs, we strengthen inclusion in people’s minds and enable an open and diverse community.”

What can an event like the Special Olympics achieve? 

“The Special Olympics have the power to raise public awareness and contribute to understanding disabilities. Therefore, it is extremely important to support and promote the growth of these world games and make our interests known to the wider public both during and after the games.”

As the athlete spokesperson for Special Olympics Germany, you give a voice to other athletes. You have also been an active athlete and won a gold medal in badminton at the 2007 World Games in Shanghai. How much do the athletic achievements take center stage at this event, or is it about more than that? 

“At the Special Olympics, it’s about much more than just medals. Athletic achievements are one aspect, but passion, togetherness, warmth, and a family-like atmosphere are strongly represented. All these things are incredibly important and play a crucial role in a successful competition. Additionally, the voice of athlete spokespersons also plays a very important role. The Special Olympics are an event by athletes, for athletes.”

What are your expectations for this year’s Special Olympics World Games in Berlin? 

“I hope that, on the one hand, we become better known in the federal states, and on the other hand, we gain international recognition. It should be an important catalyst for creating lasting change for people with intellectual disabilities.”

For those who have had no previous involvement with Special Olympics, why should they take an interest in the topic and attend the competitions? 

“Come and experience our athletes’ passion, joy, and warmth. You will have a lot of fun and witness fantastic competitions.”

What would you recommend people should definitely check out? 

“Generally, they should watch the games and observe what happens off the field to be inspired by the passion. They may even feel motivated to volunteer as helpers at the next national and/ or regional games. One unique aspect is the Unified competitions, where people with and without disabilities compete together.”

After the Special Olympics World Games, everyday life resumes: What does a more inclusive sports environment look like to you, and how can we all contribute to making it a reality, whether as coaches, recreational athletes, or part of the fitness industry? 

“Providing a barrier-free approach for people with disabilities is crucial. Sports clubs should also be open to inclusive sports offerings for people with disabilities and incorporate them into their programs. Coaches do not need special qualifications – just openness and perhaps a little more patience.”

The Special Olympics in Berlin is an excellent opportunity to shed light on inclusion in sports and broaden our perspectives. Mark Solomeyer, the national athlete spokesperson for Special Olympics Germany, has provided valuable insights into promoting inclusion in sports through his experiences. Now it’s up to all of us to take action and create a more inclusive sports environment. Thank you for the interview, Mark!