“A place for encounters": The German House at the Paralympics
The German House opened its doors again for the Paralympics, having already served as a meeting place for fans, athletes, business and politics during the Olympic Games. And once again it was a complete success, bringing together many different people from numerous nations to celebrate diversity and sport together. But Messe Düsseldorf also remains committed to the topic of inclusion outside of Team D Paralympics.
At this year's Paralympic Games in Paris, Team D Paralympics demonstrated the impressive achievements that Paralympic athletes are capable of. During this event, the German House, co-organised by Messe Düsseldorf on behalf of Deutsche Sport Marketing as a key partner of Team D Paralympics, once again served as their central venue. "It is a meeting place," says Wolfram N. Diener, President and CEO, describing the purpose of the German House during the Games.
For the Paralympics, the German House at the Stade Jean-Bouin has again been adapted to make it accessible to athletes and guests. But for the company, the subject of inclusion does not end with Team D Paralympics. For example, the company has long supported the blind and amputee football teams of Fortuna Düsseldorf and the wheelchair team of record table tennis champions Borussia Düsseldorf. The contracts with both clubs were recently extended for a further two years.
Messe Düsseldorf also organises REHACARE, one of the world's leading trade fairs for rehabilitation, prevention, integration and care. The topic of inclusion is therefore also strongly represented there. Hannes Niemann, Director of REHACARE, sees parallels between his event and the Paralympic Games. Both events focus on the "desire for an inclusive society".
Watch our video to get an impression of the German House at the Paralympics.
