One highlight of the National Games was the popular Athletes' Party: volunteers, families, sports officials and, of course, athletes celebrated and danced to great music and with a lot of sunshine at the Brandenburg Gate.
Table tennis player Justin Finke opened the dance floor on time at 7:30 pm laughing, dancing and cheering. The 15-year-old's joy was so infectious that many others soon joined in to greet him and to celebrate together.
Justin's mom, Jaqueline Finke, was also thrilled: "Justin talked about nothing else but the Athletes' Disco all day. It was clear that he would once again be the first on the dance floor. He loves to dance and will definitely stick it out until the end."
Moderator Andrea Franken playfully led through the evening and the program with a lot of energy. She cheered the crowd on to one la-ola wave after another, to sing along and to shout loudly together the motto of the games: #UnbeatableTogether.
Also in the middle of the hustle and bustle is Robert Herberg, one of the faces of the Games. "Experiencing this in my hometown of Berlin is something I particularly enjoy. Now I'm meeting old and new friends. The Special Olympics are a new big family. At the Athletes' Party, they get a little closer together," the cyclist is pleased to say.
Experiencing this in my hometown of Berlin is something I particularly enjoy.
The dancing and cheering crowd takes each other by the shoulders and together they dance as a giant polonaise across the square directly in front of Brandenburg Gate. As the sun slowly sets with a magical play of colors, the light show on stage begins. In addition, the flame of hope burns next to the stage.
"This is such a great event, which the athletes are of course particularly looking forward to. But it is also a highlight for us volunteers and we can experience the spirit of the Games live," says volunteer Martina from Aschaffenburg with shining eyes.
Different DJs play hit after hit. Songs to sing along, clap and have fun. Everyone has come: from young to old, with disabilities or without. At the Athletes' Party, everyone is welcome, no one is excluded, inclusion is lived.
"It's a shame that this terrific event only lasts two hours. When I see how much fun everyone is having, I can't imagine that it will be over in a moment," saysvolunteer Magnus from Wernigerode.
And he will be proved right. Actually, the party was supposed to end at 9:30 pm, but the people celebrating do not see it that way. They demand loudly "more, more, more". And so it goes on until 9:45 pm.
When the lights on stage went out and the last song was played, everyone went home inspired. This evening will remain in everyone's memory for a long time. Thank you for the unforgettable party!
