SPECIAL OLYMPICS BELGIUM

Created by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968, Special Olympics aim to providing year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Today, Special Olympics is a global movement serving more than 4 million people with intellectual disabilities in 178 countries and representing 30 different types of sports.Special Olympics Belgium was founded in 1979 and is officially recognized by the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee. It organises National Games every year (alternatively in Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia) and send delegations of Belgian athletes to the Winter and Summer Special Olympics World Games. These competitions are open to any athlete with intellectual disability who regularly practise a sport at his/her own level. More than just a physical and sport training, these activities enhance the social development of the athletes.The 2016 National Games will take place in La Louviere and will host about 3400 athletes and 1200 coaches from 300 sport clubs to compete in 19 adapted sports and disciplines. The programme will include a torch run, opening and closure ceremonies, an Olympic village, a healthy athletes programme and an art exhibitions from artists with mental disability.