Final Recap of the Special Champions League Festival – Ghent, Belgium (4–6 October 2024)
The largest and final edition of the Special Champions League Festival took place at Blaarmeersen in Ghent, Belgium, from 4 to 6 October 2024, bringing together teams from across Europe for an unforgettable weekend of football and celebration.
Organised and hosted by Special Olympics Belgium, with the European Football for Development Network (EFDN) acting as the Coordinator of the Special Champions League Project, the tournament aimed to promote the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities in football. Teams representing many prestigious clubs, together with Special Olympics teams from several countries, joined the tournament, making it a total of 22 teams coming to Ghent from all over Europe to be part of this unique competition. The event zone was set against the scenic backdrop of Blaarmeersen’s beach and lake, offering a perfect environment for both competitive matches and a variety of social activities, including a special dinner and a joyful party with a DJ, creating a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere.
The weekend began on Friday, 4th October, with the arrival of teams and staff in Ghent. After settling into their accommodations, a welcome dinner was held at the hotel, followed by a briefing session with the organisers, coaches and team leaders. Saturday saw the official start of the tournament with a morning session of matches, followed by a lunch all together by the lakeside. The competition resumed in the afternoon, and the day culminated in a lively barbecue party, where participants enjoyed a well-deserved celebration. On Sunday, 6th October, the last matches were held in the morning, ending with a medal ceremony that recognised all teams for their dedication and outstanding performances.
The sunny weather throughout the weekend contributed to the festive atmosphere, improving both the matches and the surrounding activities. Alongside the tournament, the “Healthy Athlete” programme was showcased, providing athletes with valuable advice on nutrition and healthy living, helping them understand how to optimise their health and performance both during and after the festival.
Special thanks are due to Special Olympics Belgium for their excellent organisation of the event, and to the volunteers, referees, and partners who helped make the festival such a success. Co-funded by the European Union, this event exemplified the power of sport to foster inclusion and unity across all abilities.
This final edition of the Special Champions League Festival will be remembered not only for the exciting competition but also for the sense of community.
