Special Olympics Deutschland in Hessen e.V. has concluded the bidding process to select the host city for the 2029 Hessian State Games. At a meeting of an 11-member jury, the decision was made in favor of the state capital, Wiesbaden. Wiesbaden will thus host one of the most significant inclusive sporting events in Hesse in the summer of 2029.

There were three bids to host the event: the joint bid from Kassel/Baunatal, the university city of Marburg, and the state capital, Wiesbaden. All bids met the criteria and impressed the jury with their strong commitment, professionalism, and palpable enthusiasm for the concept of inclusion.

“We are proud and grateful that there is such broad interest in hosting our State Games in Hesse,” explains Mark Behrend, President of Special Olympics Hesse. “This shows that the inclusive flame is burning in many places across our state. All the candidate cities have impressively demonstrated that they are ready to carry this flame forward.”

The Special Olympics Hesse State Games were last held with great success in Hanau last year. They stand for athletic competition, participation, visibility, and social cohesion. Athletes with intellectual and multiple disabilities compete in numerous sports and, together with families, clubs, schools, municipalities, volunteers, and supporters, experience a powerful celebration of inclusion.

All three candidate cities had already demonstrated, as so-called Host Towns during the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, how deeply the commitment to inclusion is rooted in urban society, administration, sports, and the citizenry. From the perspective of Special Olympics Hessen, this signal is particularly significant at a time when inclusive issues are once again coming under greater social pressure.

The decision was not an easy one for the jury. The panel included athletes, representatives of the Executive Board, former organizers, and experienced event hosts. After intensive deliberation, a unanimous and clear result was reached: The 2029 State Games will take place in Wiesbaden.

Special Olympics Hessen has a special vision for hosting the Games in the state capital: The Games should make inclusion visible not only at sports facilities, but right in the heart of the city—in public spaces, in interactions, and in people’s minds.

“In 2029, Wiesbaden will not only step into the spotlight of inclusive sports itself,” said Executive Director Astrid Schulte. “Our shared goal is to make the State Games an event for the entire city and for all of Hesse. Inclusion does not belong on the margins, but at the center of society.” 

Wiesbaden’s Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende is delighted with the successful bid: “The issue of inclusion is very close to my heart. Through the ‘Host Town Program 2023’ alone, we have already made a strong contribution to the visibility of people with disabilities, resulting in many projects. The 2029 State Games will ensure that this issue is further integrated into urban society.”

Special Olympics Hessen would like to express its sincere thanks to Kassel/Baunatal, Marburg, and Wiesbaden for their impressive presentations, their hospitality, and their clear commitment to inclusive development. All of the bids are a strong, statewide sign that the inclusive mission of Special Olympics has an impact far beyond the realm of sports.

Special Olympics Deutschland in Hessen e.V. is the Hessian state organization of Special Olympics Deutschland. The association provides year-round sports, competition, and social engagement opportunities for people with intellectual and multiple disabilities. The goal is to promote participation, self-determination, recognition, and social visibility through sports.