Styrian Athletes Bid Farewell for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin

Graz (June 2, 2023).- Governor Christopher Drexler and Sports Minister Juliane Bogner Strauss welcomed the Styrian participants of the “Special Olympics World Summer Games” in Berlin this afternoon (02.06.2023) in the White Hall of Graz Castle. The athletes were accompanied by the Special Olympics National Director Nicole Kochtheir deputy Heri Hahnstate coordinator Thomas Kepplinger as well as caregivers. “The Special Olympics idea has been lived and held dear in Styria for decades and is an important value in our consciousness – not only in years when we were the venue for Special Olympics games in Schladming, like in 2017. Participation in an international competition is one of the highlights of any sports career. I wish all participants all the best and every success for the upcoming Summer Games and unforgettable experiences,” said Governor Drexler.

Austria is represented at this year’s Special Olympics World Summer Games, which will be held from June 17th to 25th in the German capital Berlin, with a total of 62 athletes, seven participants come from Styria: The Grazer Golfer Florian Bittmannthe two cyclists Kerstin Holzer and Agnes Zenz (Inclusion team Joglland) and the VSC Graz volleyball players Lukas Kupferberger, Angel Orhan, Stefan Schoppler and Dmytro Skreklja. In addition, five Styrian athletes will start as “unified partners” with their partners. Drexler and Bogner-Strauß presented the members of the Styrian delegation with Styrian backpacks containing travel utensils from home at the official farewell ceremony in Graz Castle.

Sports Minister Bogner-Strauß emphasizes: “The Special Olympics are not only a great sporting movement, but always give you more than they take. It is lived inclusion, always honest and full of positive emotions. I wish our athletes a lot of success at the Summer Games, enjoy the sport, but above all have a wonderful time!”

Graz, June 2, 2023