Germany's efforts to host the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games are gaining momentum. The authorities in Kiel have set a date for a referendum in which residents will decide on supporting the city's bid for the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Games. Simultaneously, North Rhine-Westphalia, under the leadership of Hendrik Wüst, is launching a broad inclusive offensive, focusing on strengthening Leverkusen's position as a leading center for para-sports and a potential economic engine for the region.

Referendum in Kiel

Residents of Kiel will decide on April 19 whether the city should bid to host the Games in 2036, 2040, or 2044.

NRW's Inclusive Offensive

North Rhine-Westphalia is focusing on para-sports as the pillar of its Olympic bid.

Development of Leverkusen

Leverkusen is set to become a central hub for para-sports, which is expected to bring tangible economic benefits to the region.

Germany is intensifying preparations to bid for host status of the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, considering dates in 2036, 2040, and 2044. A key element of this strategy is the involvement of local communities and emphasizing the social and economic benefits of major sporting events. In Kiel, which traditionally hosts sailing competitions, a citizens' vote is scheduled for April 19, 2026. The city is officially promoting its candidacy, seeking social legitimacy before submitting a formal application to the International Olympic Committee. At the same time, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) has initiated an ambitious inclusion offensive, intended to be the foundation of their Olympic bid. The state's Premier, Hendrik Wüst, during a visit to Leverkusen, emphasized that the state intends to significantly strengthen infrastructure for para-athletes. Leverkusen, already a recognized center, is set to gain status as a key point on the global map of para-sports. This strategy is not limited to image aspects but is seen as a real boost for the local economy and the development of assistive technologies. The last Summer Olympic Games in Germany were held in 1972 in Munich, ending with a tragic terrorist attack on Israeli athletes. Since then, the country has made several unsuccessful attempts to host, including in Hamburg, where plans were rejected precisely in a referendum.In public debate, voices point out that hosting the Games can act as an engine of economic growth, attracting foreign investment and federal funds for the development of transport and digital infrastructure. Representatives of Leverkusen ahead of the upcoming referendum emphasize the modernizing potential associated with such a massive logistical undertaking. The NRW state government is focusing on sport for all, which is intended to distinguish the German offer from the gigantomanic projects implemented in the past by other countries. „Nordrhein-Westfalen will ein Vorbild für Inklusion sein und die olympische Chance nutzen, um die Lebensbedingungen für Menschen mit Behinderungen nachhaltig zu verbessern.” (North Rhine-Westphalia wants to be a model for inclusion and use the Olympic opportunity to sustainably improve the living conditions for people with disabilities.) — Premier of North Rhine-Westphalia

Mentioned People

  • Hendrik Wüst — Premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, promoting the state's Olympic bid and inclusion in sports.