Bringing together around 100 experts and leaders from more than 40 countries, the event served as a unique platform to exchange knowledge, share best practices and strengthen inclusion through sport. Participants discussed future priorities for 2025–2027 and gained first insights into the upcoming Special Olympics World Games 2027 and 2029.
More than a professional gathering, the conference celebrated the human spirit behind sport, a meeting point where expertise met empathy and where collaboration fostered real progress. Set against Larnaca’s serene coastal backdrop, the atmosphere encouraged reflection, inspiration and a renewed commitment to inclusive sport.
Special Olympics: More Than a Movement
Special Olympics has always been more than a sporting organisation; it is a human movement born from the heart. Through sport, it empowers an impressive number of athletes with intellectual disabilities to express themselves, gain confidence and experience the pure joy of achievement. Built on the universal values of inclusion, respect and solidarity, Special Olympics unites people across borders and backgrounds with a shared belief that every individual has strength, dignity and potential. Here, it is not only about winning, but about participating, learning and growing together.
The Presence of Judo: Building Bridges Through Sport
The International Judo Federation was among the invited organisations, represented by Nicolas Messner, IJF Media and Judo for Peace Director. He was one of the keynote speakers at the round table, discussing international partnerships, alongside representatives from European Aquatics and European Golf.
In May 2025, the IJF and Special Olympics signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at expanding opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through judo. The agreement focuses on promoting equality, accessibility and inclusion in judo for all, integrating Special Olympics Judo programmes into mainstream judo structures, and providing coaching resources and support for inclusive practice.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The collaboration between the IJF and Special Olympics embodies the true power of sport, not just competition, but connection. It creates meaningful pathways for athletes with intellectual disabilities to train, compete and be recognised as full members of the global judo community.
As the conference in Larnaca concluded, Nicolas Messner reflected, “Sport can transcend barriers, whether physical, social or cultural, to bring people together in the shared pursuit of dignity, joy and peace. Exchanges throughout the conference were particularly rich and fruitful, opening new opportunities to highlight differences not as weakness, but as a remarkable source of strength. Jigoro Kano Shihan, the founder of judo, dreamed of a fairer and more harmonious society. It is through discussions such as those held in Cyprus that we can come closer to fulfilling Kano’s vision.”
In Larnaca, the voice of judo resonated clearly, a voice of peace, inclusion and shared humanity.
Images © SOEE