On the Way: The German Down-Athletes Festival. Photography by Ferhat Bouda
In 2025, internationally renowned photographer Ferhat Bouda followed the journey of three young athletes with down syndrome at home, during training and at the German Down-Athletes Festival. His impressive photographs show Lara’s, Edgar’s and Svea’s skills, ambition, joy, and personal strength while climbing, dancing, breakdancing, and doing other sports.
For the first time, the DIALOGMUSEUM showcases these photographs during an inclusive temporary exhibition from September 9th until October 2nd, 2026. Free admission!
Artist-Tour: September 19th, 2026, 3 p.m., free admission!
The German Down-Athletes Festival is the biggest sport event for children, teenagers and young adults with down syndrome world-wide. Each year, around 600 participants and their families meet each other in 25 competitions and workshops. It is one of the biggest inclusive events in German-speaking countries. It stands for athleticism, community, self-determination, and participation.
On September 12th, 2026, the 24th German Down-Athletes Festival takes place in Wetzlar. It is organised by site-works AG and the non-profit association T21 Gesundes Leben mit Down-Syndrom (T21 Healthy Living with Down Syndrome). For more information see: https://down-sportlerfestival.de/
Ferhat Bouda (born in 1976 in Algeria) studied photography and is a member of the photo agency VU’. His award-winning photo essays have been published in international newspapers and magazines, including Le Monde, Geo, Paris Match, The New York Times, and Spiegel. Bouda’s fotography centres diverse social communities, including punks and protesters as well as formerly nomadic communities like the Amazigh.
Alt text: Quick cuts show the protagonists while training, at the festival and at home. The video shows the DIALOGMUSEUM at Hauptwache, several images from the beginning of a guided tour in the dark, and excerpts from a conversation between the artist Ferhat Bouda and Maureen Ekizoglu, CEO of the DIALOGMUSEUM. Text: “On the way. An exhibition at the DIALOGMUSEUM. By the German Down-Athletes Festival. With photographies by Ferhat Bouda. From September 9th until October 3rd, 2026 at the DIALOGMUSEUM, Frankfurt am Main.”
An exhibition by DIALOGMUSEUM in cooperation with Deutsches Down-Sportfestival. Funded by Stabsstelle Stadtmarketing.
Copyright: Ferhat Bouda
Sponsors:
