Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 with Anna Ballreich

Speaker Key:

VO              Voiceover

CB              Chantal Boyle

AB              Anna Ballreich

00:00:00

VO   
Welcome to The Sunflower Conversations, where we explore the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and its role in supporting people with hidden disabilities.

CB              
I’m Chantal, and joining me today on The Sunflower Conversations is Anna Ballreich. I hope I’ve said that correctly, as it’s a German surname. Anna joins us from the Special Olympics World Games, Berlin 2023. The games are taking place from 17th to 25th June this year, with 7,000 Special Olympic athletes with intellectual disabilities from 190 delegations who will compete in 26 sports. The athletes will be supported by more than 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers, so it is a very big games. Anna, thanks for joining me today. How are you?

AB              
Yes, I’m very good. Thank you very much for having me and for the introduction. I’m very excited to be here.

CB              
Great. Right, well, tell me more about the Special Olympics. When did it start, and why?

00:01:26

AB             
So, the Special Olympics, for everyone, it’s basically the largest sport organisation for people with intellectual disability. Then, it started in the US. There was a Eunice Kennedy Shriver. She was basically the founder, so to say. She’s the sister of John F Kennedy. 

 And they had another sister, Rosemary Kennedy, and she was a person with ID. And so, Eunice wanted to just appreciate her and her disability, and wanted to make sure that everyone knows it, that people with ID can have a meaningful life, and just to raise awareness.

So, it basically all started with a summer camp for people with ID, and then from there on it developed to first games in the late 70s. And then also international games, sporting games, in 2003 there was the first game outside of the US. It was in Dublin, in Ireland. So, yes, from there on, it kind of just grew.

And, yes, nowadays it’s recognised by the Olympics. That’s why we can basically use the name Olympics. And yes, it has 5 million participants from more than 172 countries, so it’s quite large by now.

CB              
So, who can compete in it? I know we’re talking about intellectual disabilities. Is it only athletes with intellectual disabilities?

00:02:55

AB              
Yes, so the focus is very clearly on athletes with intellectual and also multiple disabilities, but it does not mean that only athletes with ID can participate. So, there is also the unified sports, which is one part of it, that basically promotes the unity where people with ID and without ID play sports together, and it should just help to support inclusion, break down some stereotypes. 

Yes, so the people with ID are the athletes, and the others who are not, don’t have a disability, are basically the unified partners, and they’re just teammates. Yes, it’s very nice to see. I think it's a very nice way of just showing how inclusion can work.

CB              
So, we have athletes without disabilities competing alongside people with intellectual disabilities, or it’s more in a supportive role? How does that work, exactly, sorry?

AB              
Basically, they play together. For example, in football, you have one team, and this team consists of athletes with ID, and then you have the unified partners, so the teammates that don’t have an ID. So, they’re just playing together, basically, as one team.

CB              
And that’s a really great concept, because it’s about breaking down barriers, isn’t it? I’ve worked on projects before where it’s been a creative project, so it might be music or art or photography. And the whole idea of the project is to bring together children with disabilities and children without disabilities, and that they work together to create this wonderful piece of art, whether it be music or what have you. 

00:04:42

And the result is absolutely phenomenal, because it’s not just what’s been produced. It’s the teamwork that’s created that, to make it come together. So, it’s a really beautiful concept of working together and being inclusive.

This is the first year that the games are Sunflower-friendly. Can you explain why you wanted to become members, and how you see it supporting athletes and visitors?

AB              
Yes, so our team was already aware of the programme, and then we just intentionally wanted to spread it, because we think it’s a really nice programme initiative. And I think the goals of the Sunflower, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, and the Special Olympics, they align very closely. So, there’s a lot of things we have in common of creating inclusion, visibility, awareness, all these things. 

So, yes, I think it’s really a great opportunity. And now, with the Berlin airport, the first one launching it in Germany, so it’s just kind of starting to spread. And talking about spreading, I think the World Games is a great opportunity for this, because we have really people from all over the world coming to Berlin, and we are hoping that they will also take this with them, obviously.

And yes, I think it’s very nice because it’s the sunflower as a symbol, so there’s no language barriers or anything. So, I think it’s just a really great fit for our games, and we are really happy to be recognising it at our games.

00:06:18

CB              
I think that’s a really important point that you make about the fact that it’s a world games, the Sunflower is inclusive, you don’t need a language to understand what it means. Once you’ve been told what it represents, then it’s a very simple concept for everybody, no matter where they live in the world, to understand and to make sure that they are opening their eyes and being inclusive with their actions and their thoughts, in which we’ll then obviously make a much more fairer society for everybody to operate in. 

And it is great that you mentioned Berlin Airport. They are the first German company to join The Sunflower. And so, with you guys being the second one in Germany, which is massive, we are absolutely delighted to be able to support visitors, and also the volunteers at the games, who may also benefit from wearing a Sunflower.

AB              
Yes, for sure. I think the volunteers is also such a big part for our event. Like you said at the beginning, almost 20,000 volunteers also coming from all over the world, so it’s also not just people from Germany. And we’re also very happy to also create awareness to them about the Sunflower initiative, and for them to be able to recognise people, help or support people if they need it or want it. So, I think it’s really nice to have it here in Berlin.

00:07:55

CB              
And I think it’s important to say that if anybody wants to wear the Sunflower when they’re at the games, that they should go onto… Well, you have a link from your website, don’t you, to our shop, or come direct to us and order their lanyard before they travel to the games.

You are listening to The Sunflower Conversations with Chantal. To find out more about the topics discussed in this podcast, details are in the show notes.

You’re making available sensory packs, aren’t you, for visitors who have sensory issues. Do you want to just quickly tell me a little bit about that?

AB              
Yes, for sure. So, we have several services like accessibility services, that should just make this day very nicely for everyone, no matter what. So, like you mentioned, we have the sensory backpacks. So, at every venue, we are spread all over the city of Berlin, so we have like 17 venues. At each venue, there will be info points where people can get sensory backpacks.

So, these include several items, such as ear defenders, or some sensory toys like fidget spinners or anti-stress balls. It should just support people that when they know they are sensitive to sensory overload or anything, they can just come get the backpack. If they need it right away or later, it doesn’t matter. They can just loan it, basically, take it with them, use it if they need to, and then just bring it back whenever they go home again.

So, we just want to make this day as easy as possible for everyone. And if this backpack is not enough in a way, we also provide quiet rooms. So, each venue also has a quiet room where people can also go to. They will also be equipped with the sensory backpacks and some other materials. So, just to create a safe space, a quiet space, where people can just calm down, and just relax, and get away from all the stuff that is going to be happening outside, all the people that are floating around.

00:09:57

So, yes, these are the main tasks, the main aspects regarding this part. And then we have also some other accessible services to include as many people as possible.

CB              
Yes, I really like the fact that you’ve included quiet rooms, because it could potentially be a bit of an overwhelming situation for some people at some points during the day. And that means that they can, as you say, just go and get themselves re-grounded and centred, and then continue on with their day and enjoy everything that the Special Olympics is offering. So, I think that’s very thorough that you guys have put these things into place. And, of course, joining the Sunflower is an absolute must.

So, I guess there’s lots of sports. We’ve mentioned 26 in the introduction. Can you name some of them, maybe some of the more popular to some of the lesser-known sports? Not all 26. I’m not testing you here.

AB             
Yes, we have a lot of sports that are also part of the Olympics. So, some classics like football, basketball, athletics. So, these great classics, but we also have some sports that are non-Olympic sports and might not be as typical. So, we have roller skating, or bocce, also kayaking, and futsal is another one. 

00:11:22

So, I think there’s a very good mix. And, like I mentioned, it’s just spread all over the city. And so many sports, 26, that’s a lot, and I think there’s also something for everyone along so many sports.

CB              
What’s bocce?

AB              
Bocce is basically, you have bigger balls, like kind of a tennis ball size, but they are a bit more heavy. And then you basically have to throw it in front of you towards a smaller ball. So, there’s a very small ball laying on the ground, and you just throw it and it has to land as close to that small ball as possible.

CB              
Okay. I think in England we call that bowls, I think that’s called.

AB              
Yes, that could be. I heard already also different names floating around.

CB              
Because they’re weighted, aren’t they, the bigger balls? The bigger ball is weighted.

AB              
Yes, they’re more heavy, for sure.

CB              
Is it going to be televised at all?

AB                  
Yes. There is a very big media alliance that took place here in Germany, so there’s 11 of the leading German providers came together, which is very exceptional. And with that, we really hope to just create a lot of visibility and raise a lot of awareness for everyone, and to just make it visible in the TV, all the channels, so you cannot really escape it, hopefully. [Inaudible] when you watch some TV. 

00:12:50

                
And yes, obviously that should also just help to show how great it is, and how much joy everyone has, and also just to break up some stereotypes that are still out there. So, yes, it’s very exciting.

CB              
And I was going to say, is Germany excited to host the games? This is the first Berlin has hosted these games, isn’t it?

AB              
Yes, so it’s the first time that the Special Olympics World Games take place in Germany, and it’s also the largest sport event here in Germany since Munich Olympics in 72, which is quite some years ago.

CB              
It’s a long time ago.

AB             
So, yes, Special Olympics doesn’t have as large of a profile in Germany compared to the US, especially. But we obviously want to change this. And yes, we are very positive, and we hope for a sold-out Olympic stadium for our opening ceremony. And we also have a host town programme, so the delegations before they come to Berlin to start the games, they are assigned to host towns all over Germany. 

00:13:53

 So, it's just there for like a cultural exchange to do sport together, or to just get to know the area, so the towns are basically free on what they want to do with the delegations. And it should just create a lot of room for encounters, and also for the host towns, they should also have a requirement for them just to have an inclusion concept. So, we also obviously like to have some more long-term implementations along the towns, and really hope to spread some awareness, but also just some joy and excitement. And that’s exciting.

CB              
I know that when the UK hosted the Paralympics back in, I think it might be in 2012, I’m not sure, it really did raise the profile of disabled athletes and inclusion. And I think most of the events were sold out, and it was the most successful Paralympic Games, and I believe. And everybody really got behind the athletes, and it had such an exciting buzz to it. 

I’m sure that you’re going to be replicating the same vibe in Germany, and it’s a great opportunity for the visiting athletes and their families and delegates to soak up the German culture, as well. It’s a real exchange, isn’t it?

AB              
Yes, for sure. It’s really exciting to just have everyone come together, and our hashtag or our motto is also, Unbeatable Together. So, we don’t want to have this focus on who’s the best, and who’s going to win, and all these things. But we want to really focus on just coming together and leaving with a stronger…

CB              
Participation.

AB              
Exactly. So, yes, that is very exciting, and we also want to go further than just the sport. So, what’s maybe also nice to mention is our cultural programme within Berlin, so we have over 30 partners in Berlin, of cultural institutions, more than 120 events going on during the week of theatre plays, some city tours, some exhibitions, all these things where people with ID are involved in the creation, or that are just available for all people. And that’s also very, very exciting that it also goes beyond the sports and beyond Berlin, as well.

00:16:30

CB             
Yes, it’s giving that kind of all-round cultural experience, isn’t it? You have social media channels that people can link with you, and then participating countries and have their own Special Olympics social media channels, as well.

AB             
Yes, so we have our games social media, which is like the Berlin 2023. And then, depending on the delegations or the countries, they might have their own national social media channels. And yes, I think you can always, whenever you want to see what’s close to me, just use your favourite search engine and just look up for your country. They might have, or they usually have, a website. 

Then you also find more local associations if you want to get involved. In Germany, for example, and also in other countries, there is national games. So, it’s not just the World Games, the big ones, but also local games, regional games. And yes, everyone can get involved. Also people without ID, as mentioned, as like a unified partner.

CB              
That’s great, because that’s what we have. We’ve had some questions, saying, how can I get involved? I’d really like to compete or participate in some way. So, the advice for an athlete… I mean, presumably it’s too late for them to represent their country now, I’d imagine. The teams have been selected. But going forward, what advice would you give to somebody who is interested in participating?

00:18:12

AB              
Yes, I think the best way is just to find a local website, just look for the national federations and regional associations. And then you also have a lot of sports clubs. Not a lot, but it’s getting more sports clubs that also include people with ID. And also, what’s very nice, I think, it doesn’t only matter what skills you have. The Special Olympics has a specific system of classification, so it’s basically you are put in one class with people of the same level, with the same skill level. 

So, you have basically different categories, so it’s not just about I’m not good enough. We don’t really have that, because everyone has their own abilities and their own skill levels. So that’s, I think, also very nice, that people don’t have to be scared of going somewhere or scared of being like, they all look so good in what they’re doing, which sport they’re doing. So, yes, just also breaking out the boundaries here, or the barriers.

CB              
Yes, bringing down barriers, that’s brilliant. And I guess, finally, how can people get tickets?

AB              
Yes, so actually, our World Games in Berlin are the first ones to be ticketed. We just want to really put a value on these games. And if anyone is interested, you can always go to our website. It’s berlin2023.org. You can just find tickets there. You can also find more information about the sports that will be taking place, about the venues, about the accessibility services, for example. So, you just find a lot of information there. And yes, we will be happy to see some people there from the UK, definitely, or from wherever people are listening.

00:20:01

CB              
Yes, wherever you listen to, wherever you download and listen to your podcast, wherever you may be on the globe. Well, that’s brilliant. We’re really looking forward to seeing the games and seeing people getting together, enjoying the sports, and basically just having a really fulfilling experience. So, thanks for your time today, Anna.

AB              
Thank you for having me. It was really nice. And once again, we’re really happy that we can be able to recognise the Sunflower, and hopefully spread the message.

CB              
Brilliant. In fact, somebody actually asked, this is great that this is happening, and then they mentioned another games that’s happening, that might be in Germany. Will it be recognised there, as well? So, hopefully, we’re setting the ball rolling, and many more sporting organisations will become part of the network and support the visitors and athletes who are getting involved, and obviously the staff and volunteers.

AB              
Yes, that’s what we’re really hoping for.

CB              
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VO              
If you’d like to share your Sunflower story or conversation, please email conversations@hiddendisabilitiesstore.com. Find out more about us, or listen to this recording again, by checking out our insights page at hiddendisabilitiesstore.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Please help, have patience, and show kindness to others, and join us again soon, making the invisible visible with The Hidden Disability Sunflower.

00:22:03