Let’s go for the “Special Olympics” events!
The 38th edition of the National Games for athletes with mental disabilities takes place in Louvain-la-Neuve and Braine l’Alleud. About 10,000 spectators are expected until late Saturday afternoon.
Since this Thursday morning, 2,700 athletes have been giving their best in 16 different disciplines, including judo, swimming, football and badminton. 52 so-called “unified” partners (without disabilities) participate in the events of this major inclusive sporting event. They are supervised by 2600 coaches and volunteers.
Talent in the ropes
It is in front of family and friends that athletes face their opponents. Among the participants: Louise, 27 years old, passionate about badminton. Originally from Paris, the young woman now lives in a Belgian home for people with disabilities. Racket in hand, she is about to play a badminton match in the prestigious Louvain-la-Neuve athletics hall. “It’s a sport that I really like. I’m going to play with my educator. Everyone can play sports; even if you’re disabled, you can still succeed,” says Louise. And to add that she would like to participate in international competitions. “It will take a lot of practice and concentration,” she concludes.
Proud to accompany her protege, Maïté, Louise’s coach and educator, shares the same passion for badminton. “That’s the most important thing! Sharing! Then, I like to help and encourage her so that she can evolve and face other players, other families. I also like to see the level of other athletes and why not continue the adventure with other competitions”.
Towards the black belt
On the tatami mats, in front of their supporters, around forty judokas are warming up. Happy to find his friends after the health break, Nicolas (39) does not hide his enthusiasm. “We’re here to do judo, that’s what we love and it’s great! And in front of the public, it’s even better!”
Jonathan combines passion with ambition. At 20, this young man from Tournai already has a good track record, but he does not intend to stop anytime soon. “I’m here, it’s good, but I’ve already taken part in provincial, regional and Belgian championships, for the able-bodied. I placed second in a competition in the Netherlands. I was third in the Championships of Europe. I hope for a medal today. But soon, I will aim for the Worlds in 2025. And in 2028, the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles”.
For Olivier Duplouy, judo coach, these Special Olympics are also an opportunity to advocate the inclusion of athletes with mental disabilities in training and so-called “normal“We also want to improve accessibility to sport for all and give more visibility to athletes with disabilities,” concludes Olivier Duplouy.
