In what were seven days of sporting achievements, with the participation of thousands athletes and volunteers, dozens of events, and countless shows of courage and millions of smiles, from 14 to 21 March 2019 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, the World “Special Olympics” Games took place, where Albania was worthily represented and achieved satisfactory results.

Our country was represented in this activity by athletes Gersi Troka (Swimming) and Lulëzim Koçi (Athletics).

The Albanian delegation was comprised of Roland Hysi, National Director and Head of Delegation, Brunilda Komti – Sports Director and Assistant to Head of Delegation, Gentian Lama – Trainer of Gersi Troka and Gezim Çorja – Lulëzim Koçi’s Trainer.

Athletes representing Albania competed in Dubai, where they achieved these positive results:

Gersi Troka – Swimming- 200m 4th place / 100th place 7th place.

Lulëzim Koçi – Athletics – 200m 6th place / 100m the 6th place.

Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968, Special Olympics is a non-profit organization that provides sports training and athletic activities in the form of various types of Olympic competitions for children and adults with special intellectual needs, giving them continuous opportunities to develop their physical form, to show courage, to enjoy these experiences, and to share their skills and friendship with their families, other athletes of “Special Olympics” and the community.

The World “Special Olympics” Games play an active role in supporting the development of 58 National Special Olympics programs in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

There are about 26.5 million people who have a particular intellectual need in the European and Eurasian Region and the Special Olympics has managed to engage 500,000 children and adults every year in sports activities.

Special Olympics Albania was supported at this event by Balfin Group, through its company Spar Albania.

The leaders of “Special Olympics Albania” expressed themselves very grateful for the support provided by Spar Albania and wished that this cooperation will be sustainable and continuous.

Balfin Group congratulates both talented Albanian sportsmen for the results achieved and wishes them further success.