GRODNO, 16 May (BelTA) – The international football tournament Special Olympics has kicked off in Grodno, BelTA has learned.
Grodno is hosting competitions among people with intellectual disabilities for the first time. The tournament will feature ten men's and six women's teams (players aged 16-22) from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, and Estonia.
“These are unique competitions, an official world championship. For us it is of high importance to host them, show them our country, our opportunities, since the players are accompanied by representatives of these countries, athletes and tourists. The Special Olympics in Belarus shows that we have a good sports base which can host competitions of any level,” head of the sports and tourism department of the Grodno Oblast Executive Committee Oleg Andreichik said. In his words, today sport is open to everyone, including people with special needs, and such a tournament is the best testimony to this.
“Belarus voiced its intention to host such a tournament last year. Grodno offered the best conditions. We are happy to see that more countries join the Special Olympics movement. Such competitions provide special-needs people with the possibility to train, play and succeed. Besides, Special Olympics help change the attitude to such people in the society, provide the possibility to help them and involve them in different processes,” Special Olympics Sports Director for Europe and Eurasia Miroslav Krogulets said. In his words, today Special Olympics in Europe unite almost 420,000 athletes in 58 different programs.
Special Olympics were first held in 1968. In particular, a football tournament is held according to certain rules. The football pitch marking is different in size. A special tent for judges is placed in the center of the playing field. All the participants get medals, with winners and runners-up receiving special awards. Round-the-clock medical assistance is a must.
