Special Olympics World Games - Berlin 2023

The Special Olympics World Games were held in Berlin from the 17th – 25th June 2023.

Berlin, Germany welcomed 7,000 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners from approximately 190 countries, competing in 26 sports. The athletes were supported by more than 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers.

Lions from the Centennial 100 Champions Lions Club were there to compete, support and much more. Below are a few highlights.

Lion Kiera Byland, the new Chair of the Global Athlete Congress

Lion Niall Wins Two Medals

SOGB cyclist, and sport's artist, Lion Niall Guite, yet another member of our Lions Club won a gold medal in the 10km time trial and a silver medal in the 25km road race.

Check out Niall's Artwork

Having launched his Art with a Special Goal business in 2021, as a social enterprise with Special Olympics GB, and showcasing his work at the Royal Academy of Arts, after capturing the attention of Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry, Niall has now drawn 254 high profile sporting venues from around the world.

Lion Ian - Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger

Lion Ian Harper, again a member of our Lions club, was working hard as a global athlete ambassador during the World Games. If you watched the Opening Ceremony you will have seen him on stage with Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver.

For twenty years Special Olympics athlete leaders have served in a select role titled Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger. These spokespeople for the movement lead the campaign for a more inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities. Through their participation and leadership at global, regional, and local events—both internal and external to the Special Olympics Movement—they challenge the mindsets of political leaders, policy makers, educators, employers, and society.

And of course Lions David Evangelista SO Managing Director, Europe Eurasia; Lion Charles Nyambe SO Managing Director, Africa; and Lion Phil Nathan, Past SOGB Board member; were all in Berlin working hard to promote the Games and inclusion for all.

Lions Phil and David even found time to badge up a new member for the Centennial 100 Champions Lions Club. As as they don't do things by half, they got Lions International President Brian Sheehan to do the badging up. Welcome Lion Gonzalo Ramos.