BEYOND THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Photo: Marta Wojtal

Emotions are to be found both in the stadiums and in front of the TVs. These are the world’s Olympics – here you will only see the crème de la crème of the planet’s athletes, the best of the best.

But sport is not just the Olympic Games. You’ll also find real sport on the local playing fields, in courtyards and allies near you, in school gyms, at both large and small clubs.

There’s equally as much passion for sport to be seen during training sessions and competitions members of the Special Olympics’ family participate in. People with intellectual disabilities have a rich and vivid world of emotions and they exhibit fantastic commitment a lot of heart when taking part in sports competitions.

The Special Olympics were created to prove that people with intellectual disabilities can, when committed enough, learn new skills and overcome their own barriers. They become more courageous, open, and confident. I am convinced that with the right sports training, proper medical care, and promoting a healthy lifestyle among our members, we can continue to enhance both psychological and physical development of all the contestants.

Through our sports- or non-sports-related actions we support every athlete of the Special Olympics in their pursuits of self-reliance, independence, an active social as well as professional life. We also try to educate the society and get more people involved in this cause. By showing the efforts of our athletes, their excitement and the joy they get from playing sports, we try to break stereotypes, contribute to a better understanding, acceptance, and tolerance when it comes to people with intellectual disabilities.

Today, after almost 50 years of existence, the Special Olympics is one of the largest and most active sports and social organizations in the world. 5 million Special Olympics athletes with a passion for sport participate in year-round sports training program and athletic competitions, experiencing the thrill of participating in a big tournament and pride that comes with victories and achievements.

You want to see the intense rivalry of the Special Olympics athletes live for yourselves? When the vacation is over, I invite you all to Bialystok. From 16 to 18 September, two exciting events will be held there: The III National Cycle Meet and the V National Special Olympics Tennis Tournament.

Let’s play sports together!