Torch Run

The popular Torch Run is traditionally held in the lead-up to the National Games to symbolically carry the Special Olympics idea from all over the country to the host city.

Additionally, the Torch Run gives the Special Olympics regional associations the opportunity to get into a festive mood already a few weeks before the big event.

The Torch Run finale in Berlin

On 18 June, the torches from all different regions of Germany arrive at the Special Olympics Festival at Neptunbrunnen to be united in front of City Hall. The Flame Lighting Ceremony will take place from 4:30 to 5:00pm.

On 19 June, the day of the big Opening Ceremony, the Games Flame will continue its journey through the city of Berlin before arriving at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei where the magic will happen.

We cannot wait to celebrate the arrival of the flame and the opening of the National Games together with you!

The photo shows a group of people participating in the Bremen Torch Run on the symbolic way to the National Games Berlin 2022. One man is carrying the torch and everyone is clapping their hands. A stage is set up behind the group.

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In the photo, many people are running hand in hand. It is the last round of the torch relay.

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The photo shows a scene of the Bremen Torch Relay on the symbolic way to the Special Olympics National Games Berlin 2022. A total of 6 people and a companion dog can be seen. The happy smiling people are carrying a Special Olympics flag and one athlete is carrying the torch.

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The photo shows an athlete with the Special Olympics torch in his hand. Around him are many people who are also touching the torch and smiling.

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The photo shows a large group of people posing with the Special Olympics torch in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

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The photo shows the Fernsehturm (Berlin TV tower) in front of the panorama of the city and against a picturesque blue sky.

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Infos about the regional Torch Runs

The regional associations of Germany are planning a variety of activities for their events. A total of six regional Torch Runs take place in the lead-up to the National Games in Berlin: Athletes from Bremen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Saxony-Anhalt and Berlin run locally with the torches of their regional associations.

Regional association Bremen

Date: 5 May 2022
Location: Bremerhaven

Special Olympics Bremen start at the bay of the river Weser. Along the coast, the inclusive Roll-Tour ("Everything that has wheels") with a total of 60 athletes and participants leads to the Bürgermeister-Smit-Gedächtniskirche in downtown Bremerhaven.

Regional association Berlin

Date: 19 May 2022; 12:30 - 13:30 hrs
Location: Berlin (From Brandenburger Tor to Abgeordnetenhaus)

The Brandenburger Tor is the starting point for the Torch Run of SO Berlin. The athletes run together with supporters from Berlin sports clubs, the Berlin professional clubs, Olympic and Paralympic athletes, as well as students via Potsdamer Platz to the House of Representatives in Niederkirchnerstraße. There they are welcomed by members of the Berlin state parliament and the senate.

Regional association Saxony-Anhalt

Date: 20 May 2022; 17:00 hrs
Location: Weißenfels (Markt)

The Torch Run of SO Saxony-Anhalt starts on 20 May at the market in Weißenfels. The run is part of the action month of the Inclusion Network Burgenlandkreis, which aims to sustainably establish and further develop an inclusive sports landscape.

Regional association Schleswig-Holstein

Date: 27 May 2022; 11:00-13:00 hrs
Location: Kiel (Kieler Rathaus)

More than 200 athletes are expected to take part in the State Games in Kiel from 27-28 May 2022. The torch run takes place on 27 May, ending at Kiel City Hall.

Regional association North Rhine-Westphalia

Date: 5 June 2022; 14:30 hrs
Location: Düsseldorf-Benrath (Benrather Schlosslauf)

The NRW Torch Run takes place as part of the Benrather Schlosslauf. The wonderful scenery around Benrath Castle offers the best conditions for an inclusive run with many different groups. Over 2000 meters, a large inclusive group carries the torch to the finish line in front of the historic castle. The run is meant for all people with and without mental disabilities and is intended to set an example for inclusive sports in Germany. Participation is free of charge for all.

Regional association Hamburg

Date: 17 June 2022; 11:00-14:00 hrs
Location: Hamburg (Ruder Gesellschaft Hansa e.V.)

SO Hamburg is organizing an inclusive Torch Run for people with intellectual disabilities in Hamburg, their companions and all Hamburgers who would like to participate. About 150 - 200 participants are expected at the Außenalster for a joint torch run on a route of about 2.4 kilometers. Everyone can join in and run or walk at their own pace. The starting and finishing point is the grounds of the Ruder-Gesellschaft Hansa e.V.. There, Hamburg's Senator of the Interior and Sports Andy Grote will give the official starting signal for this special event at 11 am.