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The first Special Olympics European Kayaking Competition brought athletes from nine countries together at Lake Kournas, in Crete, Greece, for a celebration of sport, friendship and inclusion, with Paddle Europe represented by its CEO, Jovana Stanojević.

At Lake Kournas, from 29 October to 1 November 2026, the most meaningful achievements were not measured in seconds or medals, but in the experiences shared, the challenges overcome and the opportunities created for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The inaugural Special Olympics European Kayaking Competition welcomed 70 athletes from nine European countries: Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, Poland and Portugal, marking an important milestone in the development of inclusive paddlesports on the continent.

For the participants, the event offered much more than a sporting competition. It was an opportunity to represent their delegations, experience an international event, build friendships and celebrate their passion for kayaking alongside athletes from other European countries.

A celebration where everyone is a winner

Organised by Special Olympics Hellas, together with the Region of Crete, the Municipality of Apokoronas, the Hellenic Canoe-Kayak, SUP & Surfing Federation and the Nautical Club of Chania, the event combined sporting activities with moments of celebration and social interaction.

Following training sessions and divisioning races, athletes took to the water of Lake Kournas for the competition, while the opening and closing ceremonies and other activities provided opportunities for delegations to share experiences beyond the sporting programme.

But beyond finishing positions and medals, the greatest achievement was the opportunity for every athlete to participate, challenge themselves and experience the excitement of international competition.

The event also highlighted the importance of coaches, volunteers, families and organisers, whose dedication helps create an environment where every athlete feels welcomed, supported and valued.

Paddle Europe strengthens its commitment to inclusive sport

Paddle Europe CEO Jovana Stanojević attended the event in Crete at the invitation of the organisers, reinforcing the organisation's commitment to promoting greater inclusion and creating more opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities throughout European paddlesports.

Her presence also reflected the growing relationship between Paddle Europe and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia (SOEE), a partnership that has developed significantly in recent years.

The cooperation began taking shape in 2024, when Special Olympics demonstration races were introduced at the European Canoe Sprint, Paracanoe and SUP Championships in Szeged, Hungary.

A further milestone followed in July 2025, during the Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint European Championships in Pitești, Romania, where a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the European Canoe Association, now Paddle Europe, and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia.

That occasion also saw 30 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities from six countries competing in kayaking events at the Bascov venue.

Since then, the inclusion of Special Olympics activities in European Championships has continued to provide valuable opportunities for athletes to experience the atmosphere of major international competitions.

Looking ahead to 2027: creating more opportunities

Speaking about the continuation of this cooperation, Jovana Stanojević highlighted Paddle Europe's intention to further strengthen the involvement of Special Olympics athletes in its European events.

"We will soon confirm the Paddle Europe events for 2027, and we strongly encourage Special Olympics athletes and delegations to participate," said Stanojević, Paddle Europe CEO.

The objective is to continue building opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to be part of the wider European paddling community, ensuring that inclusion becomes an increasingly visible and established element of the sport.

More than a competition, a shared European experience

The first Special Olympics European Kayaking Competition in Crete represented another meaningful step towards a more inclusive future for kayaking.

It demonstrated that the true value of sport goes far beyond performance and results. Participation, personal achievement, friendship and the joy of being on the water are equally important parts of the sporting experience.

Paddle Europe congratulates Special Olympics Hellas, all organising partners, volunteers, coaches and, above all, the athletes who made this first European competition such an important occasion.

Because in events like this, success is not only about who crosses the finish line first. It is about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to reach it.