Declaration on support for Special Olympics in the European Union

The European Parliament made a declaration on support for Special Olympics in the European Union. Recall that Special Olympics Europe provides sporting and social opportunities for adults and children with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics programmes are established in every Member State, involving half a million athletes.

The Parliament recalls that Special Olympics implement EU policy daily, by promoting sport and volunteerism across borders and breaking down stereotypes about disability. It also notes that Special Olympics Europe will host two major upcoming events: in 2010 the Special Olympics European Summer Games will take place in Warsaw and in 2011 the Special Olympics World Summer Games will take place in Athens.

In this context, the Parliament calls on the Commission to support financially the Games in Warsaw in 2010 and Athens in 2011, bearing in mind the benefits for athletes, families and the wider community that will result from these events taking place in Europe.