Special Olympics

According to the World Health Organisation intellectual disability is the most common disability in the world, affecting almost 156 million people or 3% of the world population. Belgium counts more than 160,000 persons, or 1/70, with intellectual disabilities. This means that on a daily basis, through family and friends, nearly one million people come into contact with this handicap.

In 1968, Special Olympics was founded by the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation. It is the world's largest sports organisation for children and adults aged 2.5 years and older with intellectual disabilities. The organisation offers year-round training and competition in over 32 Olympic individual and team sports that provide meaningful training and competition opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics competitions are held every day, all over the world - including local, national and regional competitions, adding up to about 50,000 events a year.

Every year, Special Olympics Belgium organises the National Games under the protection of the Belgian Olympic Committee, counting 3,270 participating athletes so far.

In 2014 Antwerp will have the privilege to host the Special Olympics European Summer Games. Delegations from 58 countries will gather in Antwerp to take part in the European Summer Games. 2,500 athletes are expected to participate in this event.

AWDC sponsors the Special Olympics.

More info on www.special-olympics.be