Director: Jacco Groen

Producer: Conrad Alleblas

Duration: 46 minutes

Premiere: 2023

Sales contact: JaJa Film Productions

‘The way to the Special Olympics’ is a gripping, informative and inspiring documentary about judoka Joarmin, cyclist Jolein, rider Nick and the Dutch hockey team and their participation in the Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin. Although participating in the World Games is more important than winning for these athletes with an intellectual disability, they give everything in Berlin for the best possible result. Their participation in this event is a life-changing experience.

In the Netherlands, approximately 440,000 people have an intellectual disability, of whom approximately 70,000 have a severe disability. It is estimated that 3.5% of children and young people up to the age of 18 have a disability. Special Olympics Netherlands is the sports organization for people with an intellectual disability. In addition to the many health benefits, gives Special Olympics athletes a chance to shine on a podium. A stage that gives them more self-respect and self-confidence. They become more assertive, more independent, and learn to stand up for their own interests. This improves the quality of their lives and increases their happiness.

The Special Olympics World Games is the world’s largest inclusion event where people with and without disabilities, people of different nations, cultures, political views and religions meet and overcome existing prejudices through the power of sport. At the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, which took place from 17 to 25 June 2023, 7,000 athletes in 26 sports and from 190 countries took part. They were supported by 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers.