Slovakia

For the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), Special Olympics celebrates athletes like Michal Dolinsky! Michal, a skier with Special Olympics Slovakia, competes through the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP)—Special Olympics’ movement-based sport program for athletes with profound intellectual disabilities who have high support needs. Using an adaptive sit-style ski and a certified instructor's support, Michal conquers the slopes, showcasing his determination, talent, and love for sport. MATP opens the world of sports to athletes of all abilities, proving that while the way they compete may differ, their passion, competitiveness, and joy for sport are universal. Watch Michal’s inspiring journey and hear from his family, coach, and MATP experts about how this program redefines possibilities while celebrating the inclusion and power of sport!

The first placed Special Olympics Slovakia team succeeded in securing a direct spot in the Special Olympics World Unified Volleyball Cup which will take place in Poland later this year.

As a partner in the I Coach Girls project, the SO Europe Eurasia Foundation (SOEEF) has ensured that the needs and input of girls with intellectual disabilities are represented at every stage.

As the year draws to a close, four Athlete Leaders from across our region, Kiera, Margaret, Gilmour and Inge reflect on their highlights from 2024 and look forward to the year to come!

Michal, a skier with Special Olympics Slovakia, competes through the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP)—Special Olympics’ movement-based sport program for athletes with profound intellectual disabilities who have high support needs.

SOEE announced the election of eight new members to its Europe Eurasia Leadership Council (EELC) for the 2024-2026 term during the Regional Leadership Conference in Berlin on 16 October.

Groundbreaking partnerships have Special Olympics Slovakia not just making history; they are shaping a future where sports education is inclusive, empowering, and transformative for all.

A comprehensive Unified Volleyball Coaching Guide has publicly launched this week as one of the main outputs of the ground-breaking ‘Unified Volleyball Spikes’ project funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union (EU).

SOEE launches video highlight stories of refugees Ali and Sasha, whose lives have been transformed thanks to the Unified with Refugees Program

‘Unified with Refugees’ platform provides Ukrainian refugee with integration opportunities in Slovakia via sports