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Largest communal inclusion project - A festival for more social participation
23.05.2023 - JACKON by BEWI is a local supporter of the Host Town Arendsee - Berlin will witness a sports event full of superlatives this summer from 17 to 25 June: the Special Olympics World Games will be taking place in Germany for the first time. In all, 190 delegations from around the world with about 7,000 athletes are expected and they will be competing in 26 different sports. They will be supported in their competitions by over 1,000 so-called Unified Partners who are individuals without intellectual disabilities.
But even before the actual competitions start, the whole of Germany will play host to the biggest inclusive sports event in the world. More than 200 Host Towns - including Arendsee in the Altmark region - will welcome the international delegations and arrange a four-day visit. JACKON by BEWI is supporting this unique festival of cooperation and inclusion as a local sponsor.
Arendsee and the Host Town Programme: A festival of sports and diversity
The fact that Arendsee is the smallest local authority to be selected for the Host Town Programme is no coincidence: the IDA Integrationsdorf holiday village in Arendsee already offers comprehensive, accessible infrastructure and is therefore the ideal setting for accommodating athletes. A Syrian delegation of athletes will be using the days in the Altmark from 12 to 15 June 2023 to prepare for their events in the capital city. At the same time, a big welcome party is being planned with a varied programme including a torch run to the sports ground, a football tournament and a big farewell party for the whole family including the live band called “Nobody Knows”.
Recognising social responsibility
JACKON by BEWI is naturally very happy to get involved with this wonderful project, which puts people with intellectual disabilities at the centre of society and raises awareness of their needs. As a local supporter of Host Town Arendsee, the company wants to show its commitment and contribute to the success of the project. At JACKON by BEWI, one of the biggest employers in the Altmark region, topics like sustainability, social responsibility and treating one another with respect are always in focus.
Experiencing the power of sport to unite
Sport has a unique power to unite people and bring them together. Probably the biggest demonstration of this power is at the Special Olympics. The biggest sports movement in the world for people with intellectual and multiple disabilities is officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It was founded in the USA in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy-Shriver, a sister of John F. Kennedy. The aim from the start was to give people with intellectual disabilities the chance to participate in sports activities and events. These days, Special Olympics is represented in 174 countries with more than five million athletes.
A strong message for cooperation and inclusion
Everyone involved agrees that the event will have lasting and positive effects on Arendsee beyond the four days. The Host Town Arendsee organisers are united by the common goal of establishing and expanding lasting inclusive structures in the Altmark region, to give people with intellectual disabilities more visibility and recognition in society - both in the everyday lives of the people who live here and in the tourist industry.
Everyone involved, the volunteers and JACKON by BEWI in its role as local supporter are convinced that the town of Arendsee will send a clear signal for inclusion and a diverse society through the Host Town Programme. The whole team in Mechau is already looking forward to an unforgettable experience and meeting exciting new contacts.