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Special story from Special Olympics Albania in Tirana Marathon

Special story from Special Olympics Albania in Tirana Marathon

Special Olympics Albania athletes participated in the Tirana Marathon, the largest sports event in the country, with 4,000 athletes from Albania and other countries. Accompanied by their families and friends, the athletes ran in the Special Fun Run category, carrying a strong message about breaking taboos for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

As one of the family members said, this is a special moment of all-inclusiveness in sports and in the community, promoting an active lifestyle.

"For us, this is the second time we participate in this marathon. It gives us the opportunity to be more inclusive, meet new people, become part of the community and live an active life."

This organization is also supported by other families and friends of athletes with intellectual disabilities. With inclusiveness, the activities of Special Olympics Albania make them feel engaged.

Roland Hysi, National Director of Special Olympics Albania, expressed his enthusiasm for the organization's participation in the Tirana Marathon, emphasizing a message of inclusion and empowerment.

"This year, Special Olympics Albania, the largest organization in the world for individuals with intellectual disabilities, was part of the Special Fun Run with the support of the Municipality of Tirana. We are very happy to share messages about inclusion in sports and the empowerment of individuals with intellectual disabilities," he said.

Hysi made an open call to the public to actively support Special Olympics Albania and its mission.

"We invite you all to become supporters of the organization and active participants in sports," he continued.

Special Olympics Albania recently participated in the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, a historic moment, where 10 athletes competed in swimming, weightlifting, athletics and basketball, winning one gold medal, two silver medals and two bronze medals. Coca-Cola Bottling Albania, which for 30 years produces and distributes Coca-Cola Company products in the country, supported Special Olympics Albania and its athletes throughout the organization.

Special Olympics Albania is supported by The Coca-Cola Company as a founding partner and global sponsor, a partnership that began in 1968. Currently with a renewed agreement that will continue until 2031, the longest renewal in the history of the partnership. This partnership stands as a testament to Coca-Cola's belief in the mission of Special Olympics: to showcase the potential of people with intellectual disabilities and celebrate the unifying power of sport.
Coca-Cola supports Special Olympics programs, athletes and events through monetary and in-kind donations, volunteerism and awareness-raising initiatives and is proud to do so in Albania.