For the Ukrainian delegation, the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin are a break from the war at home. But the team also causes a stir in sport.
In Berlin, the lightness of life is returning. During a visit to the zoo, the team from Ukraine enjoyed a little bit of normality, the happy opening ceremony brought a smile to everyone involved, and there have already been initial successes. At the Special Olympics, the 35-strong delegation from the war-torn country is given a break from death, terror and grief.
The Ukrainian team during the opening ceremony in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium last Saturday.
First precious metal in athletics and swimming
“The whole of Ukraine is being bombed. There is no safe place for us there,” said delegation head Serhiy Komissarenko to SID on the sidelines of the World Games. Berlin, on the other hand, is a safe place for the athletes.
Ukraine competes in seven sports, on Tuesday there had already been two medals in the 800m and in swimming. “Our athletes are doing well. They love to win, but the most important thing is to be there,” said Komissarenko, who described the atmosphere in the capital as “very friendly”.
Difficult preparation in war-torn country
The preparation for the World Games for people with mental and multiple disabilities (until June 25) was very difficult, many sports facilities and above all the infrastructure at home have been destroyed. The athletes were collected from different regions to represent their country in Berlin.
“We are very happy to represent Ukraine here,” said Komissarenko, who spoke of a “difficult last year”. At least a few competitions could take place. In a joint training camp at the end of April in Kiev, the Ukrainian athletes then got the finishing touches for the World Games.
Special Olympics in Berlin: The Ukrainian basketball players in the game against Serbia.
“Sure we’ll win more medals”
In Berlin, the Ukrainians are accommodated in Treptow-Köpenick as part of the host town program, and they spent a few carefree days in the east of the capital before the competitions began. It’s a nice distraction from the war at home, which Komissarenko describes as “terrible.”
Medals are therefore not that important for the head of the delegation, who competed in the 2004 presidential elections in Ukraine. Nevertheless, he is convinced of the sporting ability of his team. The Ukrainian athletes are doing well in basketball, badminton, table tennis and boccia, so Komissarenko emphasizes: “I’m sure we’ll win more medals.”
The schedule of the Special Olympic World Games in Berlin at a glance.