In May, institutions providing support for people with disabilities (workshops for people with disabilities, residential homes, special education schools), sports clubs, and families from all over Rhineland-Palatinate, neighboring states, and even the Netherlands and Luxembourg gathered in Mainz to participate in eleven sports—ranging from badminton and soccer to table tennis—as well as a low-barrier, hands-on activity. 

The grounds of TSV SCHOTT Mainz served as a major venue: the competitions in soccer, track and field, and table tennis took place on the club’s expansive grounds. In the immediate vicinity, tennis players demonstrated their skills on the courts of the DJK Tennisverein Mainzer Sand. Nearly 160 swimmers took to the cool water at the nearby Mainz-Mombach swimming pool.  

In the sports hall of the Otto-Schott-Gymnasium, judokas and badminton players competed. The bowling competitions took place at Phönixbowling, while golfers found ideal conditions at the Mainz Golf Club in Budenheim. 

The boccia competition and non-competitive activities took place in Mainz’s Volkspark. The park also hosted the inaugural Inclusive State Games Mile, where visitors could meet clubs and institutions from Mainz as well as supporters of Special Olympics Rhineland-Palatinate. Also in the heart of Mainz, cyclists rode laps at the Winterhafen. 

The Special Olympics Rhineland-Palatinate State Games took place in Mainz from May 20 to 22, 2025. In addition to the athletic competitions, visitors were treated to a diverse, inclusive program of events along the Rhine promenade and in Volkspark. The event was dedicated to participation, diversity, and community.

Event Highlights

• Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 5:15 p.m., Traditional torch relay through downtown Mainz; 6:30 p.m., Official opening ceremony on the Rhine promenade
• Wednesday, May 21, 2025, starting at 6:00 p.m.: Inclusive festival “Mainz Celebrates – Everyone Included” with live music, interactive activities, and an athletes’ disco
• Thursday, May 22, 2025, starting at 6:00 p.m. Closing ceremony on the Rhine Promenade with a review of the sporting achievements

Accompanying program on all three days:

• Diverse stage program on the Rhine Promenade
• Inclusive state games fair in the Volkspark with information, hands-on activities, and interactive experiences

All program items were open to the public and encouraged active participation. The goal was to put sports, social interaction, and inclusion at the center and to create a shared experience for everyone.