Some 6,500 athletes took part in the games that consisted of 25 sports, including weightlifting, horseback riding, swimming, and soccer.  The Czech Republic was part of these unique and inspiring games with 46 athletes, including teams competing in volleyball and soccer. The Czech athletes not only participated, but performed outstandingly in many disciplines!

Czech team received 10 gold medals – 5 for gymnastics, 2 for athletics, 1 for swimming, 1 for table tennis, and 1 for unified volleyball.  Due to their admirable determination, they also won 14 silver and 9 bronze medals at athletics, gymnastics, table tennis, bocce, soccer, bowling, swimming, and cycling.

The delegation was led by the national director of the Czech team Ms. Martina Středová and personally supported by a longtime patron and honorary chairman, famous Czech ballet dancer and choreographer, Mr. Vlastimil Harapes, together with Member of European Parliament Ms. Martina Dlabajová. They were also big fans at the finals of almost all disciplines, together with Consul General Michal Sedlacek and his family.

On Wednesday, July 29th gymnastics medalists and the soccer team, together with their trainers, visited the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Los Angeles, where they received a warm welcome by the Consul General Michal Sedlacek and his staff. They also got a chance to listen to their mother tongue while watching Czech dark comedy "Krásno" and together with screening's guests celebrating their stay in Los Angeles.

The unbelievable success of our Czech Special Olympics athletes deserves admiration, pride, and encouragement. We congratulate them and wish them many other excellent achievements, especially in 2017, when Winter Special Olympics will be held in our neighboring Austria.

 

To learn more about the Czech Special Olympics Team, please visit www.specialolympics.cz