“We are delighted to be a partner of the Special Olympics,” says Michael Junger, Managing Director of C4D. He says it’s important to him “to get actively involved as well: to create encounters and be part of a common path to a more inclusive world.”

Dr. Uwe Horn, CEO of IAV, adds: “Our commitment is an opportunity to directly help shape tangible social change – towards a way of living together that is characterized by respect and appreciation for every human being.”

This was already evident at the opening ceremony in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, when 50,000 visitors enthusiastically greeted the athletes from around the world. “One goosebump moment followed the other,” writes Ivo Banek on the social network LinkedIn.

The celebrities from sports, culture and politics – including basketball star Dirk Nowitzki, the Blue Man Group, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz – played “supporting roles” that evening, Banek writes. “Because the main role belonged to the athletes, who came to the stadium with their teams from 174 countries in a parade.”

“Fantastic to be part of it,” writes Carsten Rinka, also an IAV volunteer at the Games. “It’s just fun to see the enthusiasm and passion of the athletes and volunteers!”