Special Olympics and European Aquatics (EA) are strengthening their partnership in 2026, with two confirmed dates on the EA Open Water calendar which are set to welcome athletes with intellectual disabilities among their ranks.
Following the announcement of a groundbreaking cooperation agreement last year, the partnership moves into its next phase, with Special Olympics Open Water events taking place in Protaras, Cyprus, on 18 April, and in Sukoro, Hungary, on 23 July.
The April event in Protaras forms part of the 2026 Open Water Swimming Cup season, while the July competition in Sukoro will be staged alongside the European Aquatics Junior Open Water Swimming Championships.
Together, the two dates represent a concrete step in delivering the shared objectives outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between European Aquatics and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, focused on development, events, partnerships and communication through 2028.
Alongside Protaras and Sukoro, European Aquatics is also looking to expand the programme to a third date, which will be announced shortly, pending approval.
The collaboration builds on the positive experience of working together during the 2025 Open Water Swimming Cup leg in Barcelona, which marked an important starting point in the relationship between the two organisations.
That event demonstrated how inclusive competitions can be effectively integrated within the European Aquatics framework, laying the foundation for further joint initiatives that will offer new opportunities for Special Olympics athletes and further the movement’s expertise in the aquatics world.
“New opportunities in an inclusive and friendly environment for people with intellectual disabilities at all ability levels are becoming a reality thanks to the European Aquatics team, under the strong leadership of President Antonio Silva. We learn from each other how to better prepare for upcoming events, creating a long-term positive impact on swimmers, coaches, and organizers alike."
European Aquatics President Antonio Silva said the continued cooperation reflects a long-term commitment to inclusion across the aquatic disciplines.
“Barcelona was a significant 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 pathway for cooperation in development and events, and these competitions demonstrate how we are translating that vision into action. We are committed to ensuring that aquatics remains accessible and inclusive, and we look forward to strengthening this collaboration in the years ahead.”
Further details regarding both events will be communicated in due course, as European Aquatics and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia continue to expand an inclusive competition calendar for 2026.
