Athletes with trisomy 21
The photo project ‘Three, Two, One’ comprises more than 150 portraits taken during the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023. It shows athletes with trisomy 21 from all over the world who came to the German capital for the largest inclusive sporting event for people with intellectual disabilities to give their best.
Image gallery
Vanessa Kariuki, 20, Kenia, Boccia, Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, 19.06.2023, Berlin, Germany © Tamara Eckhardt & Joerg Brueggemann / OSTKREUZ
‘Three, Two, One’ is not only intended to highlight the extraordinary abilities and self-determination of these athletes, but also to help break down prejudices and normalise society's view of people with intellectual disabilities. The photographic work is a call for acceptance and appreciation of every single person, regardless of their individual characteristics.
Through the diversity of the athletes portrayed, ‘Three, Two, One’ shows the power of sport and the infinite enrichment that inclusion means for our society. It is a testament to the fact that everyone has unique talents that form the basis for an open and inclusive society.
The unique collaboration between the two photographers Tamara Eckhardt and Jörg Brüggemann, both members of the Berlin agency Ostkreuz, and Special Olympics Germany, Germany's largest sports organisation for people with intellectual disabilities, combines the worlds of art, culture and sport. The photo exhibition thus opens up the space for new synergies and an extensive reception beyond its own social sphere, thus actively living inclusion.
The photo project ‘Three, Two, One’ was created as part of the sustainability programme of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, in which the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg also participated with inclusive information modules in Charlottenburg Palace Gardens.
