The 2026 Special Olympics National Games will take place from June 15 to 20, 2026, in Saarland. Saarland is co-hosting the Games with Forbach, France. For the first time, the competitions will be spread across an entire federal state, and the cross-border event—with the swimming competitions taking place in Forbach—sets a new precedent.
Over 4,300 athletes and Unified partners will be traveling to the event. In total, organizers expect around 13,000 accredited individuals and up to 100,000 spectators. Participants will showcase their skills and determination across 27 sports, including track and field, badminton, and triathlon.
The “Dabeisein ist Saarland” campaign accompanies the Games. The Saarland Ministry of the Interior, the State Sports Association, and Special Olympics Saarland are organizing it together. They focus on themes such as participation and inclusion and are shaping the image of the Games in a lasting way.