Special Olympics 2023: Austrian Lotteries sends its congratulations on this celebration of inclusion 

As a partner from the very beginning, Austrian Lotteries congratulates the Special Olympics Austria team on winning an incredible 45 medals at the 2023 World Games in Berlin.

Today, it seems self-evident that people with intellectual or multiple impairments compete in sports. In the beginning, however, the idea of the Special Olympics movement was not so widely accepted. It was only over the course of the years and decades that the awareness of the performance of these athletes increased. 

Erwin van Lambaart, Director General of Austrian Lotteries, had this to say: “Austrian Lotteries is proud to support the deserving “Special Olympics Austria” movement since it started 30 years ago, in 1993. We sincerely congratulate the Austrian team on the impressive total of 45 medals and are happy to have contributed to its celebration of inclusion with numerous thrilling moments for over 330,000 visitors this year.”

In line with the motto “Playsponsible – Practicing Responsibility Together”, Austrian Lotteries focuses on people and promotes equal opportunities and a respectful interaction with each other. The cooperation with Special Olympics Austria was intensified in 2009, and as of this year Austrian Lotteries has been acting as a premium sponsor. The focus has remained the same throughout the decades – to establish an inclusive society distinguished by respect and acceptance. A society in which sport is a driving force once again.

45 medals for Austria

This year, Austria was represented with a total of 62 athletes in 15 sports at the World Games in Berlin – and they excelled. Austrian Lotteries sincerely congratulates these athletes on their 13 gold medals, 16 silver medals and 16 bronze medals. Around 6,500 athletes from 176 nations took part in the World Games, and the opening ceremony was watched by 50,000 spectators.