Also present was Para-badminton European champion Rick Hellmann, who played alongside the guests. Fifty metres further on, children were climbing a tower made of empty water crates, whilst at the many other stalls people were discussing the theme of the day: the self-determined participation of people with disabilities in social life.

The event was organised by REWE retailer Viet Nguyen Duc in collaboration with the Reinickendorf District Sports Association and Special Olympics Germany in Berlin. The retailer emphasises: “Sport brings people together. That’s exactly why this festival fits in so well here. With our shops, we are part of the neighbourhood. And as REWE employees, we are proud to live out the values conveyed by the family sports festival and to promote inclusion.”

For Viet Nguyen-Duc, this commitment is not an afterthought, but an expression of what a local shop can be: “Everyone deserves a chance. If we can help make inclusion a more natural part of everyday life, then that is exactly the kind of community we stand for.”

„After all the planning, seeing people with and without disabilities playing sport together and trying out new sports was something really special. I was really impressed by the sense of togetherness. For me, it was a thoroughly successful sports festival.“ Trainee Alisha-Joyce Lüder on the A-level programme with REWE retail manager Viet Nguyen Duc

Around 1,500 people turned up at the venue on Reginhardstraße and at the Gustav-Freytag Secondary School. Right in the middle of it all was the REWE Inclusion Van, where visitors could try out various sports.

The event was actively supported by the apprentices from Sales Region 2. They provided information about the apprenticeship programme at the REWE stand and helped out at the food stalls. The retailer is donating the proceeds of around 700 euros to two charitable organisations.