Sport can sometimes become something far greater than competition. In this article by eleftherostypos.gr, the Special Olympics National Games “Loutraki 2026” are presented as a celebration of participation, acceptance, and human connection. With the support of Qualco Foundation as Bronze Sponsor, the Games highlighted the power of sport to foster inclusion, break down stereotypes, and bring people together through shared experiences and respect. Read the full story below.

There are moments when sport stops being simply a game or a competition for first place. It becomes a reflection of the most beautiful side of humanity. Over the past few days, the heart of Greece beat in Loutraki, as the Special Olympics National Games reminded us of everything we so often forget in our daily lives: the value of effort, the strength of determination, and above all, pure and selfless joy.

More than 450 athletes, together with their coaches, companions, and over 100 volunteers, took part in this celebration of sport, acceptance, and inclusion. Competing across six different sports, the athletes demonstrated strength, perseverance, and determination, breaking down stereotypes and prejudices through sport. They built bridges of equality and respect, expressing emotion, passion, and a strong desire for participation, achievement, and connection with the world around them.

The Games carried many powerful messages: social cohesion, diversity, and equal participation in social, athletic, and everyday life. The Special Olympics National Games “Loutraki 2026” left behind powerful images, emotional moments, and a strong reminder that a society without exclusion is built every day through participation, respect, and acceptance.

A particularly meaningful initiative within the Games was the Unified Sports Experience, where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities competed together, sending a powerful message of inclusion. Employees from companies supporting the event also took part in these mixed teams.

The Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony took place on Saturday, 9 May 2026, at the “Pantelis Zervos” Theatre in Loutraki, featuring the athletes’ parade and the torch relay carried by athletes with and without intellectual disabilities. The ceremony was hosted by Jenny Melita and Spyros Margaritis.

Qualco Foundation, the non-profit initiative of Qualco Group, through which initiatives with social impact are developed across education, culture, national heritage, sports, and social solidarity, supported the Games as Bronze Sponsor and was honoured during the Opening Ceremony with a commemorative plaque in recognition of its contribution.

Orestis Tsakalotos, President of Qualco Group and Qualco Foundation, stated:

“The Special Olympics movement is truly unique because, through sport, it creates a sense of community where acceptance, joy, and inner strength matter more than records and achievements. At Qualco Foundation, we deeply believe that sport is a driving force for meaningful inclusion, and our support forms part of our broader mission to stand beside initiatives that strengthen social inclusion for everyone.”

Fotis Papathanasiou, General Manager of Qualco Foundation, also noted:

“As President Kennedy once said, ‘the value of our society will be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members.’ The consistent and ongoing effort of Special Olympics Hellas, of which these Games are only the culmination, expresses this principle in the most meaningful and tangible way. Everyone deserves the space to express themselves, to participate, and to feel that they belong. This is why our support for Special Olympics Hellas is deeply connected to the values we seek to uphold through our work.”

Dionyssios Kodellas: The Driving Force of Offering and Acceptance

The President of Special Olympics Hellas, Dionyssios Kodellas, Ambassador ad.h., underlined:

“These Games are the result of a continuous and methodical effort that unfolds throughout the entire year. An effort made by athletes and coaches, but also by the athletes’ families, each contributing in their own way beyond the sports venues. Families who, with emotion, watch their children, whose abilities society, and sometimes even they themselves, had once doubted, grow, evolve, and gradually claim the place they deserve within society. Because it is this power of offering and acceptance that becomes the strongest, if not the only, motivation capable of transforming a person with an intellectual disability into a Special Olympics athlete.”

Volunteer Marianna Sklia shared:

“Participating in the Special Olympics National Games as a volunteer was a unique and deeply moving experience. The most powerful moments for me came after the competitions had ended, when we congratulated and applauded the athletes, and they, despite their exhaustion, shared with us their joy and excitement for the effort they had made, regardless of the result. Those moments became the most meaningful reminder of the true value of participation and effort in sport.”

Volunteer Panagiotis Dokoutsidis added:

“I would like to express my sincere congratulations to the organisers of Special Olympics Hellas for giving me the opportunity, as a Bocce volunteer and judge, to experience six unforgettable days filled with powerful moments and unique experiences that will remain with me for life. I simply feel proud and deeply moved to have been part of this event.”

Among the athletes who took part in the Games, Bocce athlete Michalis Kasiranis noted:

“Every day I have spent here, I have felt safe and happy. I am surrounded by people who appreciate me. I feel comfortable being myself and not being afraid. Outside, the world can be harsh. And I truly want everyone to understand the value of Special Olympics. The value of being an athlete and competing.”

What Special Olympics Represents

Special Olympics was founded in 1968 and today stands as a global movement offering people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to train and compete throughout the year. Through sport, self-confidence is strengthened and equal participation in society is encouraged.

In Greece, Special Olympics Hellas has been active since 1988 as a non-profit sports organisation built on volunteerism. Through programmes across 22 sports and the support of coaches and volunteers, athletes are given the opportunity to grow, actively participate in a community grounded in respect and acceptance, and develop physically, mentally, and socially while experiencing the joy of sport and exercise.

Looking into the eyes of these athletes, you do not see limitations, you see determination. You see a flame that refuses to fade. Every step, every pass, every finish line becomes a victory of life itself over obstacles. They show us the way toward a world where everyone has a place, everyone has a voice, and everyone can dream without limitations.