The 22nd edition of the “Special Power League” project – a sports league for people with developmental disabilities – was held in Pula and Rovinj from March 29 to 30, 2024.
Another fantastic edition of the project took place on the soccer fields in Rovinj, where our athletes enjoyed two days of various sports and additional activities. This edition holds special significance as it welcomed a record number of teams from Croatia and abroad, including last year’s special guest, the Fundación Barça Genuine team, a football team comprising individuals with intellectual disabilities operating under the high patronage of FC Barcelona.
The clubs that participated in the SPL tournament were NK Istra 1961 SPT, NK Sloga Čakovec SPT, NK Slaven Belupo SPT, GNK Dinamo SPT, HNK Hajduk SPT, HNK Rijeka SPT, NK Lokomotiva Zagreb SPT, FC Barcelona, TSV Munich 1860, KMF Mungosi, ASKO Wolfnitz, SK Rapid Vienna, ASKO Wolfsberg, and Spielerpass.
The participants of the event were members of the following associations and institutions: Sports Association Veliko srce from Koprivnica, Latice Association, Pogled Nedelišće Association for Autism, School for Education and Training Pula, Bili tići – sports association for individuals with Down syndrome from Split, Down Syndrome 21 Rijeka Association, Down Syndrome 21 Zagreb Association, and partner organizations from Spain, Germany, Austria, and Serbia.
The renowned Croatian singer Tony Cetinski, as the ambassador of the project, delighted all participants with his presence and interaction with the teams.
At the end of the sports meeting, a ceremonial awarding of trophies, medals and special gifts was held.
As organizers, we take pride in the chance to collaborate with our friends to craft a narrative centered around socializing, inclusion, sportsmanship, and enjoyment. We eagerly anticipate future gatherings and aspire to inspire even more children and youth to engage actively in society through sports via ongoing initiatives.
This year’s sports-educational gatherings “Special Power League” were supported by: UEFA, EHF, Croatian Football Federation (HNS), Croatian Handball Federation (HRS), Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO), Mateo Kovačić Foundation, Istria County, Pula Tourist Board, Poreč Tourist Board, City of Pula, City of Rovinj, as well as companies such as Maistra, Valbruna sport, Bauerfeind, BINA Istra, JYSK, GHIA Stuff, INA, HEP, Kaufland, Auto Benussi, Matošević Winery, and ATI.
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