Viktoria Lorenz is a Social Media Manager in NürnbergMesse’s Corporate Communications department, where she is responsible for the company’s corporate social media communication. Outside of work, she has been practicing judo for around 20 years and has been supporting the ID judoka of TV 1848 Erlangen for about one and a half years.
ID judo is designed for people with intellectual or cognitive disabilities and enables them to take part in training sessions and competitions. Although Viktoria is not an official coach of the group, she accompanies the athletes to tournaments, training camps, and special events. Most recently, she supported them at the Special Olympics National Games in Saarland, Germany’s largest multi-sport event for people with intellectual disabilities.
In the interview, she talks about how she became involved, the experiences she gained at the Special Olympics, and why this commitment has enriched her personally.
How did you become involved in judo for people with cognitive disabilities?
I actually got involved by chance. At the time, I was asked whether I could accompany a group of ID judoka to a smaller tournament because there was a shortage of coaches. What started as a one-time favor quickly developed into something more. Shortly afterward, we traveled together to the Bavarian Individual Championships. Later came a preparation camp for the Special Olympics National Games and eventually the trip to Saarland for the Games themselves.
What impressed me most was the enthusiasm, ambition, and joy the athletes bring with them. It is important for me to emphasize that I am not an official coach of the group. I simply support wherever help is needed.
What does working with the team mean to you, especially regarding participation in the Special Olympics?
For me, the most important thing was giving the judoka the opportunity to have this special experience. Spending an entire week away from home, participating in competitions and a varied supporting program, meeting new people, and being part of a major sporting event is something truly special. People with cognitive disabilities especially benefit from leaving their familiar environment for a few days and gaining new experiences. Experiences like these strengthen self-confidence, encourage independence, and demonstrate what is possible with courage and support. For this reason, participating in the Special Olympics was about much more than sport alone.
It was wonderful to watch the athletes experience the week with so much pride and excitement. Many of the impressions and experiences will stay with them long after the competition has ended. That is what makes events like these so valuable.
