Special Olympic Games and European Aquatics (EA) are strengthening their partnership in 2026, with two confirmed dates on the EA Open Water calendar when athletes will be welcomed with intellectual disability among their ranks.
Following the announcement of a ground-breaking collaboration agreement last year, the partnership is entering the next phase Special Olympic Games Open Water events taking place in Protaras, Cyprus, on April 18, and in Sukoro, Hungary, on July 23.
The April event in Protaras is part of the 2026 Open Water Swimming Cup season, while the July competition in Sukoro will run alongside the European Aquatics Junior Open Water Swimming Championships.
Together, the two dates represent a concrete step in achieving the shared objectives set out in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between European Aquatics and Special Olympics Europe Eurasiafocused on development, events, partnerships and communication until 2028.
In addition to Protaras and Sukoro, European Aquatics is also looking to extend the program to a third date, which will be announced soon, pending approval.
The partnership builds on the positive experience of working together at the 2025 Open Water Swimming Cup competition in Barcelona, which was an important starting point in the relationship between the two organizations.
That event demonstrated how inclusive competitions can be effectively integrated within the European Aquatics framework, and laid the foundation for further joint initiatives that will provide new opportunities for Special Olympics athletes and expand the movement’s expertise in the aquatic world.
“New opportunities in an inclusive and friendly environment for people with intellectual disabilities at all levels are becoming a reality thanks to the European Aquatics team, under the strong leadership of President Antonio Silva. We are learning from each other how to better prepare for upcoming events, creating a positive long-term impact for swimmers, coaches and organizers alike.”
Miroslaw Krogulec, vice president of sports for Special Olympics Europe Eurasia
Antonio Silva, president of European Aquatica, said the continued collaboration reflects a long-term commitment to inclusion across all aquatic disciplines.
“Barcelona was an important moment in establishing our relationship with Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, and we are proud to build on that foundation with confirmed events in Protaras and Sukoró in 2026,” he said.
“Our Memorandum of Understanding sets out a clear path for collaboration on development and events, and these competitions demonstrate how we translate that vision into action. We want to ensure that watersports remains accessible and inclusive, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership in the years to come.”
Further details on both events will be communicated in due course as European Aquatics and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia continue to expand their inclusive competition calendar for 2026.
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