Eurovision Sport has reached agreement for selected EBU Members to show coverage of the 2023 Special Olympics World Games, to be held in Berlin, Germany from 17 to 25 June, 2023.

Under the terms of the multilateral agreement with the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 Organizing Committee, the Special Olympics Europe Eurasia organization, and ESPN (and thanks to the support of our German Members ARD and ZDF), the following Members will provide TV and digital coverage during and after the competition:

ORF (Austria); RTBF and VRT (Belgium); YLE (Finland); ARD and ZDF (Germany); ERT (Greece); NRK (Norway); TVP (Poland); RTS (Serbia); RTVE (Spain); SVT (Sweden); SRG (Switzerland) and TRT (Turkey).

The broadcasters’ offer will range from live coverage of the opening ceremony on 17 June, to live, news, and clips coverage during the competition, culminating with wrap-up highlights afterwards.

Moreover, there will be some additional coverage by RAI (Italy) and BBC (UK) through specific arrangements made between the channels and the Special Olympics Italy and Special Olympics UK national bodies, respectively.

The SOWG, the flagship event of the Special Olympics movement, is the world’s largest inclusive sports event, measured by the number of sports and athletes involved. The Games have grown to be recognized as an international demonstration of inclusion, acceptance, and unity.

The goal is to showcase the skills and accomplishments of people with intellectual disabilities on a global stage: through media coverage of the Games, the stories and achievements of children and adults with intellectual disabilities are made known to millions of people worldwide.

The 2023 Special Olympic World Summer Games will welcome about 7,000 athletes from approximately 190 international delegations to compete in 26 sports: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Basketball 3x3, Beach Volleyball, Boccia, Bowling, Cycling, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Football, Futsal, Golf, Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Handball, Judo, Kayaking, Open Water Swimming, Powerlifting, Roller Skating, Sailing, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis and Volleyball.

David Evangelista, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia (SOEE) President and Managing Director, said: “We are thrilled to announce the partnership between Eurovision Sport, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, the Berlin 2023 Organizing Committee, and ESPN. 

“This collaboration signifies a remarkable milestone in our mission to create a more inclusive world, as it amplifies the reach and impact of the World Games across the region. By joining forces with Eurovision Sport, ESPN, and Berlin 2023, we are unlocking the potential to inspire millions, championing the abilities and dreams of our exceptional athletes. 

“Together, we will showcase the transformative power of sport and drive a powerful message of acceptance, unity, and dignity for people with intellectual disabilities. This agreement truly embodies the essence of the Special Olympics mission and vision, igniting a wave of change that will leave a lasting legacy of inclusivity in the hearts of people not only in the Europe/Eurasia region but worldwide.”

Glen Killane, Executive Director of Eurovision Sport, said: “Eurovision Sport is delighted to contribute to widening the exposure of this inclusive event across Europe, thanks to the support of EBU Members’ free-to-air coverage in some of the continent’s largest TV markets.

“The EBU and Eurovision Sport are committed to using the inclusive power of sport to help to reach and unify people across society. Our support for the 2023 Special Olympics World Games is central to our DNA.”

Home of Multisport Games

The EBU is now the indisputable home of multisport games in Europe.

In addition to the Special Olympics World Games, the EBU’s multisport games portfolio includes: the Olympic Games (2026-2032), in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery;; the European Games (2023 and 2027); and the Mediterranean Games (2022/2023).