Photo by Anna Spindelndreier
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia (SOEE) and European Aquatics have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Junior Swimming Championships in Samorin, Slovakia, on 4 July, that will significantly expand opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to engage in swimming and aquatic sports throughout the region.
European Aquatics, the governing body for aquatic sports across Europe including swimming, diving, high diving, artistic swimming, open water swimming, and water polo, is renowned for its commitment to excellence in sport, athlete development, and inclusive access. With a history of fostering high-level competition and promoting aquatic sports at all levels, European Aquatics now takes a major step towards greater inclusion through this collaboration with Special Olympics.
Although SOEE and European Aquatics have enjoyed cooperation since 2006, when first MOU has been signed, such as joint training initiatives, workshops, or athlete demonstration and development events, this agreement marks a significant evolution in the relationship. The MoU establishes a clear, long-term framework to support and grow inclusive aquatics programming, sharing of coaching expertise, technical resources, and event collaboration across the region.
The agreement outlines joint efforts to:
- Expand the number of inclusive aquatics events co-hosted across the region.
- Leverage European Aquatics’ technical expertise to enhance Special Olympics coach, officials and referees education and training programs.
- Develop unified aquatics competitions, where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities compete together.
- Promote awareness campaigns around the power of inclusion in sport.
David Evangelista, President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, said: “This moment marks a tremendous milestone for both Special Olympics and European Aquatics. Together, we will unlock new opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to experience the physical, emotional, and social benefits of aquatic sports.”
“We’d like to thank European Aquatics and its President António José Silvia. Through this partnership, we will not only increase access but also elevate the visibility and quality of inclusive aquatics throughout Europe and Eurasia.”
António José Silva, President of European Aquatics, added: “We are proud to stand alongside Special Olympics in this important mission. Aquatics is for everyone, and this partnership will ensure that more individuals of all abilities can experience the life-changing power of aquatic sports. We look forward to building a truly inclusive aquatics community where all athletes are welcomed, supported, and celebrated.”
