About

Short-statured people grow up in a world built for others – and sport is no exception. At school and in clubs, many find that they can't keep up physically with friends their own age. That can be frustrating, dampen the joy of movement and, in the worst cases, lead to physical strain. Yet so many short-statured children, young people and adults carry a real passion for sport.

This is exactly where we come in. German Dwarf Sports (Deutscher Kleinwuchssport, DKS) creates sporting opportunities in which ability isn't defined by height. Instead of frustration, our athletes experience joy, success and a genuine sense of team – fair, inclusive and self-determined, on eye-level.

Who we are

German Dwarf Sports was founded on 15 April 2017 with a clear goal: to give short-statured people access to sport at the highest level. Since then, we have established ourselves as the central point of contact for sporting activities and competitions at both national and international level.

As a working group within the Federal Association of Short-Statured People and Their Families (Bundesverband Kleinwüchsige Menschen und ihre Familien e. V., BKMF), we organise training camps, tournaments, and national and international competitions – from a first taster session all the way to the World Dwarf Games. Our programmes are open to children, young people and adults, to beginners and competitive athletes alike.

What we do

We offer, promote and organise high-quality training and competition programmes – nationally and internationally. Our athletes compete above all in the disciplines of the International Dwarf Sports Federation (IDSF):

• Track & Field
• Swimming
• Table Tennis
• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Badminton
• Boccia

What sets us apart: at the DKS, short-statured athletes compete under fair conditions – with respect, motivation and sporting ambition. For many, the DKS is also a springboard, supporting talented athletes on their way into elite and para-sport.

More than sport

Sport at the DKS means more than just movement. Our training camps and tournaments don't only develop athletic ability – they also strengthen respect, tolerance and a sense of togetherness. These values reach far beyond the field of play, shaping self-confidence, social connection and personal growth in everyday life. It's about participation, courage and discovering your own strengths.

For short-statured people in particular, sport is essential: it helps to balance physical strain and to prevent health issues affecting the muscles and skeleton. In this way, our programmes strengthen both body and self-confidence – and a sense of community along with them.

We're here for you

Sport is for everyone – but everyday reality often looks different. That's exactly where we step in. The DKS actively supports you whenever challenges arise: in school sports, in club sports, around the German school sports days (Bundesjugendspiele) and on any questions about inclusion in everyday sporting life.

Not sure how to move forward? Then get in touch – we're happy to help. Together, we make sport a little more accessible for short-statured people.

Our next goals

• Take part in the 2027 World Dwarf Games in Australia with at least 50 athletes
• Build a sustainable training and competition network
• Expand our public outreach to reach even more short-statured people

At the 2023 World Dwarf Games in Cologne, we already celebrated impressive results – thanks to intensive preparation and a strong team spirit. That's the momentum we want to build on.

Become part of our community

Together with the BKMF, we are committed to ensuring that short-statured people in Germany find access to sport, community and athletic development. Become part of our community – as a member, a volunteer or a supporter. Together, we can move more.

→ Get involved and support us