Today, Sunday, June 18, the opening ceremony of the Dis+Abled European Summer Games took place at the market square in Wągrowiec. Nearly 500 athletes from 12 European countries will take part in the competition, which will start tomorrow.
During their nearly week-long stay in our country, male and female athletes will compete in 10 summer sports disciplines – bocci, sitting volleyball, goalball (sound ball for the blind), swimming, table tennis, bowling, hand cycling (handbike), archery, dragon boat racing and sailing. The event will culminate with competitions in each event, although this time the results will not be the most important. The main goal of the event is to inspire people from all over Europe to get involved in summer sports and physical activity.
During the opening ceremony of the championships, the President of the Polish Paralympic Committee Lukasz Szeliga addressed his words to the participants of the event:
„Today we come together as a community to witness the power of determination, resilience and passion. Let this event serve as a catalyst for change, spurring greater commitment to inclusion and accessibility in sports. Let’s create a future where every athlete has multiple opportunities, regardless of their abilities. Let’s continue to break down barriers, challenge preconceived notions and create a world where the sports space is equal for all. Let’s show Europe that the impossible does not exist!”
In the letter, the participants were also recognized by the Governor of Wielkopolska Michal Zielinski:
„I convey my sincerest appreciation to the athletes and competitors. Through your sporting achievements, you inspire not only others, but above all you prove that there are no barriers in achieving goals and realizing dreams.”
The words of the Governor were also confirmed by Jacek Boguslawski – Member of the Board of Directors of the Wielkopolska Region:
„Our Wielkopolska is famous for its hospitality, and we appreciate you very much and are happy that you are with us and we will be able to spend the coming time together. We will always support you. May the best win!”
The mayor of the city of Wągrowiec, Jarosław Berendt, was also pleased with the visit of unusual guests from all over Europe:
„I am happy to be the host of these Games. I am glad that you are in the land of Wągrowiec, which is an ambassador for people with disabilities. I promise that just as the rain welcomed us all today in Wągrowiec, the beautiful sun will already bid us farewell.”
The Dis+Abled European Summer Games ambassador, archer Milena Olszewska, spoke on behalf of the athletes:
„I compete on a daily basis with both able-bodied and disabled athletes, and I am glad that here in Wągrowiec in my home region of Greater Poland, you will be able to see this beautiful Paralympic face of sport of ours.”
The opening ceremony of the Dis+Abled European Summer Games was highlighted by an artistic performance by the „Big Band 241” – a group of music enthusiasts from Rogozno and Wągrowiec.
A guide (Competition Guide) has been published on the website of the Polish Paralympic Committee, which details all the most important information about the upcoming event. Fans are also cordially invited to attend.
The following are the arenas that will be the site of sporting struggles in the coming days:
– Dragon Boats, Bowling, Motorsports, Canoes – Wielspin, 16 Jeziorna Street, 62-100 Wągrowiec, Wielspin Rehabilitation and Holiday
– Sailing (Neptun KŻ, next to Wielspin) – 14 Jeziorna St., 62-100 Wągrowiec, Neptun Center
– Boccia – OSIR hall, 59 Kościuszki Street, 62-100 Wągrowiec, Center of sport and recreation
– Archery – Glade at campsite No. 177/ OSIR, 59 Kościuszki St., 62-100 Wągrowiec, Camping No. 177
– Swimming – AQUAPARK, 49 Kościuszki St., 62-100 Wągrowiec, https://goo.gl/maps/MqS96CqKXiVivEXn8
– Seated volleyball – SP 1, 20 Św. Wojciecha St., 62-100 Wągrowiec, Elementary School No. 1
– Goalball – SP 3, ul. Letnia (next to Wielspin), 62-100 Wągrowiec, https://goo.gl/maps/KmBdiovW41iPtbXR8
The organizer of the Dis+Abled European Summer Games is the Polish Paralympic Committee. The event is co-financed by the European Union’s Erasmus + program. The event is under the honorary patronage of the Ministry of Environment and Climate and Minister of Sport and Tourism Kamil Bortniczuk. Media patrons of the event are TVP Sport, TVP 3 Poznań, Polish Radio and the niepelnosprawni.pl.