Press Release

Rotterdam, 1-3 September 2023

Special Olympics Europe Unified Sailing Regatta 2023 in Rotterdam; the first Play Unified City of the Netherlands

Plons Foundation and Special Olympics Europe-Eurasia are organizing the Special Olympics Europe Unified Sailing Regatta 2023 in Rotterdam from 1 to 3 September 2023. The event will take place at the Watersportvereniging Rotterdam.

The regatta is a unique event for water sportsmen and women with intellectual disabilities and their partners. The participants will sail together according to the definition of Special Olympics; the crew of each boat consists of two water sportsmen and women with intellectual disabilities (Unified athletes) and one sailor without intellectual disabilities (Unified partner) who can only give verbal instructions.

The regatta is an important event for Special Olympics Europe and Plons Foundation. The event helps to promote the Olympic values of friendship, respect and inclusion. The regatta also shows that people with intellectual disabilities can participate in high-level sporting activities.

The organization is looking forward to a successful event and hopes to welcome many spectators.