An event supported by Coca-Cola, involving institutions and donors celebrated this historic milestone
In an emotional atmosphere, the athletes of Special Olympics Albania (SOA) took part in an event organized at the Center for Openness and Dialogue (COD), before their departure for the Special Olympics World Winter Games, which will take place from March 8 to 15 in Torino, Italy.
For the very first time, the Albanian delegation will represent the country at a Special Olympics World Winter Games,thanks to the support of Coca-Cola and other donors, marking a historic step for the inclusion and empowerment of people with intellectual disabilities through sports.
The event was attended by the Minister of Education and Sports, representatives from the National Olympic Committee, and other sport associations, delivering a powerful message of support for Special Olympics Albania athletes and reaffirming the unifying role of sports in society.
During opening remarks of the welcoming ceremony, the National Director of Special Olympics Albania, Mr. Roland Hysi, stated: “This is a significant moment, not only for me, for the athletes, and their families but for the entire country. The Special Olympics Albania delegation, with your support, will be part of the World Winter Games for the first time, on an international stage. This proves that together, with concrete actions, we can break the barriers that exist for those with intellectual disabilities.” Hysi concluded his speech with thanks and a call for continued support from institutions, partners, and organizations.
Since its establishment in 2017, Special Olympics Albania has worked closely with the Ministry of Education and Sports to ensure institutional support and contributions to the development of the legal framework in the country. With the support of the government, SOA is in fact advancing toward formal recognition as a sports association with a special mission according to the Law on Sports.
The Minister congratulated the athletes for their courage and dedication, emphasizing the importance of sports as a unifying and motivating force for young people.
The President of Coca-Cola Bottling Shqipëria, Mr. Luca Busi, highlighted the support of The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Bottling Shqipëria, present in the country for more than 30 years. He commented about this inspiring journey of Special Olympics Albania to Turin: “Coca-Cola and Special Olympics share common values, which have united them since 1968. As we are proud to bring to Albanian consumers a global brand with strong local roots, Coca-Cola Bottling Shqipëria is supporting the athletes of Special Olympics Albania not only for their journey to Torino but also in their important work across the year.”
In 2023, Special Olympics Albania participated in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin thanks to the support of Coca-Cola. This was the first Special Olympics World Games the Albanian delegation participated in, representing 10 athletes competing in swimming, weightlifting, athletics, and basketball.
The Special Olympics Winter Games are one of the largest and most inclusive sporting events in the world, where Albania will be represented bysix athletes, three male and three female athletes in three sports; snowshoeing, alpine skiing and cross country skiing. This year, over 1,500 athletes from 102 different nations, supported by 2,000 volunteers, will be in Turin cheered on by more than 100,000 spectators. Athletes will compete in eight Olympic-type sports including Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Dancesport, Figure Skating, Floorball, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing and Short Track Speed Skating.
