Curtain falls on the 2026 Special Olympics National Games in Saarland.

After six days of competition, the 2026 Special Olympics National Games came to an end on Saturday 20 June. Held in Saarland for the first time, the major event impressed with its sporting, human and cross-border dimension.

From 15 to 20 June, more than 4,300 athletes came together to compete in 27 sports, accompanied by 3,100 volunteers and supported by almost 100,000 visitors who cheered on the participants. Twelve international delegations also took part in this exceptional edition.

Among the highlights of the week were the swimming events at the Jean-Éric Gouche Olympic pool in Forbach. As the Saarland facilities did not have large enough stands, the organisers chose this venue in the Moselle — a perfect example of the spirit of cooperation that characterises the Three Borders.

All week long, the athletes competed in an exemplary atmosphere of respect, fair play and surpassing oneself. In the pool and on the pitches, every participant was cheered on, whether they finished first or last.

Radio Tripoint also covered the event during its stop in Perl, where several ceremonies and activities highlighted the values of the Special Olympics movement: inclusion, respect, commitment and togetherness.

In total, almost 6,000 medals were awarded during this exceptional week. But beyond the awards, what will be remembered above all is the experience of the athletes, families, volunteers and organisers.

With this 2026 edition, Saarland and the whole border region have shown that they can host a major sporting event while putting people at the heart of the competition.

Radio Tripoint – the radio of the Three Borders.