Inclusion in the spotlight: Annabelle shines at the gymnastics festival in Leipzig!

Inclusion in the spotlight: Annabelle shines at the gymnastics festival in Leipzig!

Leipzig, Deutschland - On June 2, 2025, a remarkable competition for people with mental impairment took place as part of the International German Gymnastics Festival in Leipzig. Among the participants was the talented Annabelle Czech-Löffler from Borna, who took part in the international all-around for women with her father Markus, who supported her. After a bumpy first jump, Annabelle improved on the second attempt and received a high number of points for their performance from the judges. In total, German athletes such as Luisa Egersdörfer, Sanna Lotte Fleißner, Amelie Janßen, Bianca Becker, Lea Sofie Cranz and Leonie Schmid as well as international participants from Finland, Switzerland, Lithuania and Norway took part. Another competition for men took place at the same time in another sports hall, where the German athletes Moritz Alexander and Fabian Gassen started.

Over 80,000 athletes and 750,000 spectators flocked to the Saxon metropolis for the gymnastics festival. Annabelle Czech-Löffler, who acts as an ambassador for inclusion, emphasizes the importance of recognition and appreciation for all athletes. "Inclusion is more than just participation; it is about mutual support and respect," emphasizes Markus Czech-Löffler. This commitment was underlined by the “Inclusion” competition, which all people, regardless of their skills, included

Inclusion in focus

The special importance of inclusion, the Kati Brenner, the managing director of the gymnastics festival, is reflected in the atmosphere of the competitions. Applause and support flowed in both directions, and the gymnasts, whether with or without impairment, cheered on each other. Annabelle and her international sports comrades enjoyed the recognition of the audience.

The competition lasted four and a half hours. At the end, the athletes celebrated their joint success in dances and the exchange of pins. Annabelle Czech-Löffler was able to reach the impressive second place in the all-around and was rewarded with a medal and a certificate. Tim Fuhse, SOD national trainer, also expressed himself very positively about the Special Olympics competitions and the appreciation that the athletes gave.

a strong sign for the community

More competitions in various sports such as judo and karate also took place, and prominent athletes from the Paralympic and Olympic movement were on site, which further reaffirmed the spirit of the gymnastics festival. With events by the inclusion ambassador Annabelle and the special competition, a strong sign was set for the coexistence of people with and without disabilities.

The successful premiere of the Special Olympics competitions in Leipzig impressively shows how important inclusion in sport is. Everyone involved contributed to an unforgettable event that focused on the joy, competition and the community.