3,500 athletes took part in the Special Olympics National Games in the High Fens
Around 3,500 athletes took part in the 42nd edition of the Special Olympics National Games, which will conclude on Saturday evening with a closing ceremony in Malmedy. It was the first time that Belgium’s largest sporting event for athletes with intellectual disabilities was held in the High Fens region of Wallonia.
Since Wednesday, 3,500 athletes, 1,200 coaches and 1,800 volunteers have gathered in Malmedy, Eupen, Spa, Bütgenbach, Theux and Elsenborn, with competitions in 19 different disciplines spread across six venues. More than 6,900 medals were awarded, including 18 fair play medals, mainly in basketball, floorball, football and netball.
“These National Games are much more than a sporting competition. They bring together determined athletes and committed families and send a powerful message of inclusion to society as a whole,” said Dominique Dehaene, national director of Special Olympics Belgium.
“As well as the medals, we also want to look after the person behind our athletes: the Healthy Athletes programme offers them health checks tailored to their specific needs, which is of fundamental importance. All too often, people with intellectual disabilities do not have access to appropriate medical care. That, too, is the mission of Special Olympics Belgium.”
As with previous editions of the National Games, the athletes were able to make use of the Healthy Athletes programme, which offers screenings across nine health areas. This year, 1,000 athletes underwent a health check as part of this programme.
The Special Olympics movement, founded in the United States in 1968 and active in 193 countries, today brings together millions of athletes across the globe. The movement aims to promote the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities through sport.
The opening ceremony of the National Games of Special Olympics Belgium in Malmedy © BELGA PHOTO JOHN THYS
Related news
