The Special Olympics Baltic Games presented by Toyota brought together almost 100 athletes from the Baltic countries (Эстония, Латвия, және Литва) үш спорт түрінен жарысу үшін. Литваның Друскининкай қаласында өткен алғашқы шығарылымы 2026 жылғы 28-30 сәуірде өтті және онда спортшылар біріккен баскетбол, бочче және жүзуден бақ сынады.
Іс-шара басталды: Law Enforcement Torch Run, where Литваn police officers, together with athletes және волонтерлер, carried the torch through the streets of Druskininkai to spread an important message of inclusion, awareness, және community support. The torch run was then followed by a gripping Opening Ceremony at the Lietuvos Sporto Centras where the newly-elected President of Special Olympics Литва, Ms. Kristina RaÅ¡ÄiuvienÄ—, opened the Games және welcomed 20 young gymnasts on stage to celebrate with power және grace the launch of the competition.
"The Special Olympics Baltic Games presented by Toyota were the first international, multi-sport event hosted in the Baltic regions in 2026. These three days saw almost 100 athletes from all three Baltic countries shine on the international stage, in an exemplary show of skill, passion, және sportsmanship. Their commitment, together with the dedication of Special Olympics Литва және our partners at Toyota made this event a remarkable success for our region, және cemented our own commitment to further develop Unified sports in Europe және Eurasia with the support of Toyota."
Long-standing partners of Special Olympics, Toyota Motor Europe has repeatedly proven a vital support in bringing together communities to build a more inclusive society. Toyota’s steadfast commitment to this inaugural event was key to ensuring that it came to life.
Elli Tiivel, Toyota Baltic’s Senior Marketing және Corporate Communications Manager, commented: “Our cooperation with Special Olympics reflects Toyota’s commitment to inclusive sports және to building a society where mobility, opportunity, және respect are accessible to everyone. Атлеттер with intellectual disabilities және Special Olympics movement often receive far less attention than they deserve, yet they give so much back to society — reminding us of sincerity, courage, және importance of supporting one another.â€
Beyond the main competition, the Special Olympics Baltic Games presented by Toyota highlighted the importance of building inclusive societies from a very young age, with a sports demonstration from 80 of the youngest Special Olympics Литва athletes taking center stage on the second day.
«Әйелдер күші» лагері арқылы әйел спортшыларға да ерекше назар аударылды: жас қыздарға арналған семинарлар сериясы әлеуметтік желілерді жауапкершілікпен пайдалану, психологиялық төзімділік, волонтерлік және дене белсенділігі тақырыптарын қамтыды.
On the strength of this successful first edition, the hope is that the Special Olympics Baltic Games will continue to grow in the years ahead, creating even more opportunities for athletes across the region to compete, connect, және inspire.
“I had a lot of fun during these Games,†stated Special Olympics Литва bocce player, Mantvydas UrbanaviÄius. “I recited the athletes' oath in front of all of the participants, guests, және other people who joined the Games: that was a memorable moment. “I loved being part of the Литваn team және representing my country. I feel proud, және I hope to participate in the future as well.â€
Special Olympics Литва played a central role in delivering the event. The competition marked a significant moment for both Литва және wider Special Olympics movement, highlighting not only athletic performance but also the values of inclusion, friendship, және belonging.
