If we do not see the people in unequal social position, this does not mean they do not exist. What would be better than making their social position equal? There are a number of ways to do this and one of the most natural ones is through sports. Special Olympics is the biggest international organization for people with intellectual disabilities. The organization is officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee and is the only one in the world that is allowed to officially use the term Olympics. The aim is through sports to improve the social inclusion and the acceptance of people with similar problems in society. Special Olympics are focused on people with mental disabilities and are different from the Paralympic Games where people with physical disabilities take part. The goals, however, are the same.

Special Olympics Bulgaria as part of the international organization provides life-changing opportunities to more than 6 000 athletes with intellectual difficulties. This happens with the help of 600 volunteers, coaches, parents and enthusiastic fans. True friendship and sympathy become reality when we start respecting justice and the dignity of each citizen.

On June 16th for the first time the European Tennis Day took place. The event was a joint initiative of Special Olympics Europe and the European Tennis Federation. A national campaign entitled Access to Tennis has also been launched with the support of the Bulgarian Tennis Federation, aiming at creating positive attitude towards people with intellectual disabilities. Friends of Special Olympics who support the campaign include world’s No1 Rafael Nadal, Croatian player Marin Cilic, legend Boris Becker, Kim Clijsters, young Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov and others. The family of Grigor Dimitrov has provided the t-shirt of the player from Hopman Cup 2012 to be sold at an auction in order to support the participation of Yummu Halil from Haskovo in the European Special Olympics 2014.

“If we included people with intellectual disabilities in our society, benefits would be mostly for us. These people have this natural joy, enthusiasm and love towards life, searching for which we spend much of our time and money. Their presence among us makes us more compassionate and makes the world a better place to live in,” says Denitsa Davidkova, communications manager of Special Olympics Bulgaria.

English: Alexander Markov