The mayor of la Seu d’Urgell, Albert Batalla, told all-andorra.com about the organization of the Special Olympics-2018, which ended today, October 7, 2018, in this Spanish city:
“About 1,500 athletes – persons with intellectual disabilities – from 14 countries took part in the Special Olympics-2018. Basically, these are European countries: Spain, Italy, Belgium, Austria, Finland, Luxembourg, Germany, Andorra, Switzerland … The one country that is outside the European Union is India.
The main goal of the Special Olympics is to encourage the development of sports among people with intellectual disabilities and promote their social integration.
In our city, we held competitions in basketball, cycling, hockey, tennis and bowls. In Andorra la Vella, competitions were held in disciplines such as athletics, football, swimming, gymnastics, badminton, table tennis, judo and handball.
The slogan of the Special Olympics: “The best is the one who tries.” The best one who can believe in himself. All participants in the Olympic Games came here to try. They believed in themselves. Therefore, they are all champions. The result is a medal, the best reward for any athlete.
The event was first held in two countries: here, in la Seu d’Urgell (Spain) and in the capital of Andorra, Andorra la Vella. The budget was 1 million euros.
For la Seu d’Urgell, this is the first event of such a high level in our history. And we intend to continue taking part in the organization of international sporting events. Next year, the canoeing world championship will be held in the city’s rafting park.
As for tourist events – in October we are preparing for the FIRA Armengol fair, the most important event for cheese producers from the Pyrenean region. We look forward to seeing everyone there! ”
Alex Mostaslavski
Photos from the opening of the Special Olympics see here
Photos from the official ceremony of the closing of Special Olympics see here
