Grand welcome for Berlin's Olympic stars

Anticipation is growing: in just a few days, the 2026 Winter Olympics will begin in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo (February 14 to 19, 2026) – and Berlin will be represented more strongly than it has been in 20 years!

Last week, TEAM BERLIN was given a ceremonial send-off at the Max Liebermann House of the Berliner Sparkasse Foundation at the Brandenburg Gate. In attendance were 19 Berlin athletes, including, for the first time, a Paralympic winter sports athlete!

At VBKI, we are placing a special focus on the VBKI Team Milano Cortina 2026. For years, promoting top-level sport in Berlin has been part of VBKI's DNA. With the "VBKI Team Milano Cortina 2026" program, we are providing targeted support to Berlin's competitive athletes on their way to the Winter Olympics.

Together with partners from the world of sport, nine top athletes from Berlin in the disciplines of figure skating, speed skating, and ice hockey were nominated for the VBKI team, including: 

Selection for the VBKI team is based on clearly defined criteria: in addition to a fundamental need, the prerequisites are, in particular, a justified prospect of participating in the 2026 Winter Olympics and having one's center of life and training in the capital region. The team is put together by the VBKI Sports Committee, supported by partners such as the Olympic Training Center Berlin and the Berlin State Sports Federation.

The team members will receive financial assistance and benefits in kind totaling €15,000. Each team member will receive a financial contribution of €750 as well as additional benefits in kind – an important sign of recognition and support on the challenging road to the Olympics.

Together we're keeping our fingers crossed for Berlin – andiamo a Milano!

 Further information on the VBKI Team Milano Cortina 2026 can be found here.