I stepped off the train with my heart still racing, nostalgia already settling in. It had only been three days, but as I replayed the moments, I realized something remarkable had happened in that little corner of Germany surrounded by nature, just outside the charming town of Duderstadt. The Youth Event organized by DOIG had exceeded every expectation I’d brought with me.

A price that made sense

At just €50, the event had drawn an impressive number of registrations from across Europe. Yet that same affordability meant some people registered and never showed up. But those of us who did arrive witnessed something special: eight European countries represented at the table. It was a genuine achievement, especially considering the logistical complexities of bringing together young people with OI from across the continent in this relatively remote place.

The venue itself deserved its own applause. Far removed from city regulations and the background noise of urban life, nestled in peaceful surroundings, it offered something rare: freedom. The kind of freedom that meant we could stay up until four in the morning without worrying about noise ordinances, that we could genuinely enjoy outdoor spaces and fresh air without restriction.

But perhaps the most brilliant detail? Free beverages throughout. I watched as this simple strategy worked on multiple levels. It naturally encouraged moderation, when you know there’s plenty but it needs to be shared, you think twice. Simultaneously, it ensured genuine access for everyone, regardless of whether they’d made it to a supermarket. It was thoughtful economics and inclusion wrapped into one policy.

The magic was in the details

Whoever designed the opening icebreaker understood something essential about bringing strangers together. We were immediately divided into teams and introduced to various games, playful elimination challenges, photo hunts with colored charms and points-based competitions. These created an invisible thread running through the entire event. By the time we’d finished, the shyness and language barriers that could have divided us, had already started crumbling.

Friday split us into rotations. One group headed to Ottobock’s headquarters while others painted neon t-shirts and tried archery. I was grateful to be in the group experiencing the slower morning first, painting is meditative, grounding. Then came the Ottobock visit.

My guide was exceptionally knowledgeable, engaging, and fluent in English, a combination not everyone experienced. I was fortunate. Beyond the company history and the showcase of prosthetics, there was the warehouse tour: machinery in motion, innovation tangible and real. But the moment that caught me? Holding the Paralympic torches. Simple. Impactful. The kind of detail that stays with you.

Saturday: exploring Duderstadt

Saturday morning arrived at 10:00, and I was genuinely surprised by the turnout. Most of us had retired around four in the morning. Yet nearly everyone was there, ready, lined up. The program had genuinely captivated people.

Walking through Duderstadt’s historic center was beautiful and engaging. The organizer’s decision to provide additional support staff beyond personal assistants made the experience seamless and enjoyable for everyone. It’s those thoughtful decisions that create genuine inclusion.

In the evening, our last hours came together around a bonfire. Gratitude, emotion, and the bittersweet knowledge that this bubble would soon burst. We sat together, not yet ready to say goodbye.

What mattered most

Here’s the truth: this event exceeded my expectations. I learned. I laughed. I felt that particular kind of tiredness that comes from genuine connection and shared purpose. Everywhere I turned, I heard people talk about how well it had been organized. The organizers had created something truly special.

There’s something powerful about a space where independence isn’t questioned. Where fun is the default setting. Where old friends and new faces alike share in that same sense of possibility.

So to the organizers: thank you! Your work was masterful. Thank you for taking care of us all and making sure we had a great time.

Silvia Falcier