Special Olympics Serbia

Special Olympics Serbia began its active work in 2002 and is officially registered with the Ministry of Sport as a sports organization. It is the only organization of its kind in the Republic of Serbia that enjoys institutional support, serving as the national leader in the development of inclusive sports for persons with intellectual disabilities. As a proud member of the global Special Olympics movement, we operate in alignment with international standards and values.

Today, Special Olympics Serbia brings together active sports clubs across the country. Since 2003, the organization has overseen the formation of numerous sports clubs for people with intellectual disabilities throughout Serbia. In addition to supporting their establishment, we continuously coordinate and supervise their work, provide professional guidance, strengthen their operational capacities, and facilitate cooperation among clubs nationwide. Through this structured support system, we ensure consistent program quality, sustainability, and equal access to sports opportunities in all regions of the country.

Throughout the year, our organization conducts regular training sessions and competitions for persons with intellectual disabilities, with the primary goal of improving their quality of life, fostering social inclusion, strengthening self-confidence, and enabling their full and active participation in society.

Athletes of Special Olympics Serbia have achieved outstanding results at international competitions and proudly rank among Olympic and European medalists in various sports disciplines, with more than 165 medals won. These achievements reflect not only athletic excellence but also the dedication, perseverance, and strength of our athletes, coaches, and support teams.

Through all of our activities, we consistently promote the values of diversity, equality, tolerance, respect, and inclusion, contributing to the continuous improvement of the social status and visibility of persons with intellectual disabilities in Serbian society.

Since its establishment, more than 12 international projects have been successfully implemented in cooperation with partners from across Europe and beyond. Within the framework of these projects, we have organized:

International conferences dedicated to the development of inclusive sport

Professional seminars and training sessions for coaches and sports professionals

Working meetings and coordination forums

Study visits and exchange programs

Educational camps for athletes and coaches

These initiatives have significantly strengthened our institutional capacities, improved working methodologies, enhanced the quality of sports programs, and expanded our international cooperation network. They have also enabled the exchange of best practices, promoted inclusive sports initiatives, and supported the implementation of modern standards that ensure equal participation opportunities within the broader sports community.

A special place in our work is dedicated to the successful organization of major international sporting events, which further position Serbia as a regional leader in inclusive sport:

In 2005, the European Special Olympics Men’s Basketball Tournament was successfully organized in Belgrade, with the participation of 20 teams from several European countries. At the time, this event represented one of the most significant international sports competitions for persons with intellectual disabilities held in Serbia and set high organizational and logistical standards.

In 2018, the European Inclusive Volleyball Tournament was held in Zrenjanin, bringing together 12 teams. The tournament was organized in cooperation with Special Olympics Europe, local government authorities, and relevant sports institutions, fully aligned with international competition rules and standards.

In 2024, Zrenjanin hosted the European Women’s Inclusive Basketball Tournament, with 12 participating teams, highlighting our strong commitment to the development of women’s sport and ensuring equal participation opportunities for female athletes within the competition system.

Check out these incredible numbers

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