SKOPJE, April 6 - 7, 2024 – In a heartwarming display of athleticism and friendship, the regional swimming competition held in Skopje last weekend brought together athletes with intellectual disabilities from across the Western Balkans. Hosted at the SC Boris Trajkovski pool, the event served as a celebration of inclusivity and friendship, as young athletes showcased their talents, competed vigorously, and forged lasting bonds.
The competition, organized within the framework of the United Nations project "Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust," aimed to promote awareness of inclusion and regional cooperation among young people through sports. With the support of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the Special Olympics, and the Delegation of the European Union in North Macedonia, the event symbolized a collective effort to break down barriers and foster mutual understanding in the region.
“We aim to provide a platform for engagement, unite young people from diverse backgrounds, fostering communication and exchange through sports, culture, civic education, and community projects,” said John Kennedy Mosoti, Country Director of UNFPA for North Macedonia, at the press conference ahead of the event, emphasizing the positive narratives of achieving cohesion.
For Rossana Dudziak, UN Resident Coordinator in North Macedonia the world of sports is much more than the results achieved.
“It is the best functioning platform for bringing together people from different ethnic groups, nations, cultures, religions, and possibilities’, says Dudziak.
Athletes from diverse backgrounds took to the pool, demonstrating remarkable skill and determination in multiple categories and swimming styles. Spectators were treated to exhilarating races, as the pool reverberated with cheers and applause for the participants. Among the standout performers was Harun Abdagić (26) from Bosnia and Herzegovina, a triple gold medalist, whose inspiring victories exemplified the power of talent and hard work.
"Taking part in this competition fills me with pride. It's been an amazing experience, and I'm thrilled with our results. These medals mean a lot to me, and they're pushing me to work even harder for future competitions," shared Harun, whose achievements were strongly supported and applauded by his sports colleagues and the audience in the arena.
Beyond the thrill of competition, the event provided a platform for meaningful exchanges and socialization among participants. Athletes had the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and build friendships during and outside of the competitions, thanks to a diverse array of activities organized by the event's coordinators, such as a burger party with a DJ, a walk around the city, etc.
As the competition drew to a close, participants and organizers alike celebrated the event's success in promoting inclusion, equality, and trust among the youth of the Western Balkans. The event not only showcased the athletic prowess of the participants but also underscored the importance of providing equal opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports.
The regional swimming competition stands as a testament to the transformative power of sports in fostering unity, breaking down prejudices, and building a brighter future for all. Through initiatives like these, the youth of the Western Balkans are forging bonds of friendship and cooperation that transcend borders and pave the way for a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Amidst the splashes and cheers echoing through the poolside, the mission of this event and the broader project "Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust" resounded with clarity. Beyond the strokes and medals, the competition aimed to instill a sense of belonging and empowerment among the youth of the Western Balkans. By promoting inclusion, friendship, and cooperation through sports, the initiative sought to break down societal barriers and foster a shared vision of a brighter future.
