Just a few days after the National Inclusive Games of the Special Olympics of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Invitational Games of the Special Olympics of Sweden gathered athletes and their fans in Sarajevo and Malmö, attention turns to Malta, the host of the European Open Swimming Competition of the Special Olympics 2026.
The Special Olympics Bosnia and Herzegovina team consists of athletes Harun Abdagić, who will compete in the 25 and 50 meter freestyle events, Adnan Pribišić, registered for the 50 and 100 meter breaststroke races, and Edna Šunjić and Nađa Suljović, who will compete in the 25 and 50 meter freestyle events. The leader of the delegation is Kada Delić – Selimović, the head coach is Samir Halilović, while the member of the professional staff is Aldina Husejinović, it was announced from the Special Olympics of BiH.
Special Olympics Malta is ready to host 250 Special Olympics swimmers from 35 countries in Europe and other parts of the world at this major competition, which is organized in cooperation with Sport Malta. From September 10 to 14 this year, in the National Swimming Pool Complex in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, athletes with intellectual disabilities will compete in the 25, 50 and 100 meter events, as well as in the 4 x 25 meter freestyle relays for men, women and mixed teams.
The competition is part of the official sports calendar of the Special Olympics of Europe and Eurasia and represents one of the most significant international swimming competitions of the Special Olympics this year.
The program in the pool and accompanying activities will bring together more than 1,000 participants, including athletes, family members, officials, volunteers, partners, non-governmental organizations and citizens.
“From Malmö to Malta, our movement shows the strength, breadth and spirit of inclusion through sport. After an exceptional international event in Sweden, Europe is already turning to the next major competition on European soil. Thanks to the extraordinary dedication and organizational quality of our national programs, Special Olympics Europe and Eurasia offers a diverse calendar of international competitions and events. They provide athletes throughout our region with important opportunities, while bringing together participants, families, volunteers and supporters from around the world,” said Sven Albrecht, President and CEO of Special Olympics Olympiads of Europe and Eurasia.
With more than 1,000 participants expected, the event will create shared experiences whose significance will reach far beyond the pool. It will contribute to greater visibility of inclusion in the local community, encourage wider participation of citizens and leave a valuable foundation for the further development of inclusive sports in the country.
