“Strong together” is the slogan of the Summer Games hosted by Special Olympics Germany, which will take place in Düsseldorf in May 2014. Henkel will sponsor the event. Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities.
In May 2014, Düsseldorf will be the venue for the National Summer Games organized by Special Olympics Germany. Over a period of one week, around 4,800 athletes with intellectual or multiple disabilities will compete in 18 different sports, supported by an army of volunteers, helpers, friends and relatives. All in all, more than 14,000 participants are expected to attend the event.
Henkel is providing financial sponsorship to Special Olympics Germany. In addition, Henkel employees will act as volunteers during the Games, helping both the athletes and the organizers.
“Special Olympics is a marvelous sports organization that now gives more than 40,000 people with intellectual disabilities from all over Germany access to an array of sports. The organization is a trailblazer for a pro-active inclusive society and, as a company, we are delighted to take over responsibility in this field,” explains Kirsten Sánchez Marín, Corporate Director Human Resources and responsible for Social Progress at Henkel.
The National Games will be organized by Special Olympics Germany under the patronage of journalist Daniela Schadt. The organization is represented in 170 countries worldwide and has a membership of almost four million athletes. By giving people with intellectual disabilities access to sport, Special Olympics seeks to increase the recognition and self-confidence of its members and, ultimately, their participation in society. Brigitte Lehnert, President of the Organizing Committee for Special Olympics Düsseldorf 2014 and Vice President of Special Olympics Germany, confirms: “We are thrilled that Henkel is supporting us. The event is dependent on its sponsors and in particular the assistance provided by the many tireless volunteer helpers.”
