Photo by Fabio Cetti
In a historic step toward a more inclusive society, Romania’s Chamber of Deputies approved in June 2025 a draft law that amends and supplements Law no. 69/2000 on Physical Education and Sport, establishing new legal foundations for expanding access to sports for people with disabilities, especially those with intellectual disabilities.
The newly adopted legislation, now awaiting promulgation by the President of Romania, promotes inclusive sports participation and formally recognizes the Special Olympics movement within national policy. Most notably, the law introduces critical provisions to ensure adapted sports are accessible to individuals with all types of disabilities, addressing limitations of the previous framework.
This significant reform is the result of sustained advocacy led by the Special Olympics Foundation of Romania under the project “LEADERS THROUGH SPORT—Advocacy Program for People with Intellectual Disabilities.” The initiative is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through the EEA Grants 2014 – 2021 via the Active Citizens Fund Romania.
Member of Parliament Arina Moș played a key role in the legislative process, inspired by her direct involvement with athletes with Down syndrome in Bihor County and her recent experience at the 2024 Special Olympics Romania National Games in Oradea. Moved by the passion and determination of the participants, Moș championed the initiative in Parliament, advocating for structural change to improve access to sport for people with intellectual disabilities.
“This law is not just a policy change, it’s a message of respect, equality, and opportunity,” said Special Olympics Romania National Director Cristian Ispas. “It paves the way for a society where people with intellectual disabilities can thrive in sports, side by side with their peers.”
Key Impacts of the New Law
- Broadened Accessibility: The revised law ensures people with all types of disabilities, not only physical impairments, have formal rights to participate in adapted sports.
- Recognition of Special Olympics: For the first time, the Special Olympics movement and its unique model of inclusive sports receive formal recognition in Romania’s legal framework.
- Supportive Infrastructure: The law outlines the need for free access to inclusive sports facilities, specialized equipment, qualified coaches, and competitive platforms that align with Special Olympics principles.
The Special Olympics Foundation of Romania, with over 20 years of experience and a network reaching more than 27,000 people with intellectual disabilities nationwide, has long demonstrated how transformative sports can be. Their work includes organizing hundreds of competitions across all levels in Romania and representing the country in 11 Special Olympics World Games, alongside athletes from over 190 countries.
Beyond competition, sport empowers people with intellectual disabilities to build essential physical and social skills, improve health outcomes, foster independence, and create lasting friendships.
Once signed by the President and published in the Official Gazette, the law will come into force three days later, ushering in a new era for disability sports in Romania.
