SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 7, 2024 – Deutsche Telekom, a committed partner of Special Olympics Germany, is taking a significant step towards promoting inclusion and recognition for athletes with intellectual disabilities. The company has announced the creation of a new award category, "Special Olympics Athlete of the Year," to be presented at the prestigious "Athlete of the Year" gala in December 2025.
Shining a Spotlight on Exceptional Athletes
The "Athlete of the Year" award is one of Germany's most renowned sporting honors, recognizing athletes who embody values such as dedication, discipline, fairness, and perseverance. By introducing the "Special Olympics Athlete of the Year" category, Telekom aims to provide a platform for exceptional athletes who are part of the Special Olympics movement – the world's largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities.
"With the new award, we are sending a clear signal for our commitment and our initiative to live inclusion as an integral part of the Telekom brand," said Michael Hagspihl, Head of Strategic Marketing Partnerships and Sustainability at Deutsche Telekom. "At the same time, we are offering the athletes an appropriate stage to make their impressive achievements visible."
Telekom's Commitment to Inclusion
Telekom has been actively supporting Special Olympics since the 2023 World Games in Berlin, providing infrastructure, volunteers, and TV coverage through MagentaTV. The company also sponsored the National Winter Games in Thuringia earlier this year, with employees volunteering on-site.
"It is a particular concern of ours to honor the impressive achievements of the athletes," said Hagspihl. "That's why we involve them closely in our communication activities, be it through social media posts in our own high-reach channels, but also through film documentaries or athlete portraits that are shown on MagentaTV and also YouTube."
A Milestone for Special Olympics Germany
The introduction of the "Special Olympics Athlete of the Year" award marks a significant milestone for Special Olympics Germany, further promoting the recognition and appreciation of athletes with intellectual disabilities.
"I am extremely pleased that our athletes will have the opportunity for the first time to be in the spotlight on an equal footing with other athletes at such a prestigious event," said Sven Albrecht, Managing Director of Special Olympics Germany. "This is a milestone in the history of Special Olympics and underlines that the achievements of our athletes are increasingly recognized and appreciated in society. A big thank you goes to Deutsche Telekom, who as a committed and reliable partner of our association has made this possible."
Building Momentum for the World Winter Games 2025
The new award also builds momentum for the Special Olympics World Winter Games, taking place in Turin from March 8th to 16th, 2025. More than 1,500 athletes from 102 countries will participate, including 54 athletes representing Germany.
Celebrating the Special Olympics Movement
Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown to include athletes from over 190 countries. The Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin, with over 7,000 athletes competing in 26 sports, was a significant milestone, raising public awareness and highlighting the importance of inclusion and participation.
Telekom's Ongoing Support
Telekom's initiative to create the "Special Olympics Athlete of the Year" award demonstrates the company's commitment to fostering a more inclusive society. By providing a platform for these exceptional athletes, Telekom is helping to promote understanding, acceptance, and appreciation for people of all abilities.
Looking Ahead
The "Special Olympics Athlete of the Year" award promises to be a powerful symbol of inclusion and recognition for athletes with intellectual disabilities. As Telekom continues to champion the Special Olympics movement, it is helping to create a world where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their full potential.