Vietnamese athletes attend Special Olympics World Games in Berlin

A Vietnamese sports delegation, including six athletes, is attending the Special Olympics World Games, taking place in Berlin from June 17-25.

The Vietnamese athletes will compete in athletics, swimming, and boccia.

The Special Olympics World Games is the world's largest sporting event for athletes with intellectual disabilities, autism and cerebral palsy.

About 7,000 athletes and unified partners from approximately 190 countries and territories are competing in 26 sports this year. The competitors are supported by more than 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers.

Visiting the Vietnamese athletes before the opening ceremony of the Games on June 17, Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Vu Quang Minh wished the athletes good health and spirit to compete confidently and at their best at the Olympics.

Head of the delegation Doan Thi Hai Anh said that attending the Games is a good opportunity for Vietnamese athletes to interact and compete with their peers from around the world. It also demonstrates the care of organisations and societies for people with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Participating in competition and social activities helps people with intellectual disabilities gain more recognition, confidence, and ultimately, more engagement in society, she said.

Special Olympics takes place every two years and alternate between Summer and Winter Games, a schedule similar to the Olympics and Paralympics.