During the period from June 17 to 25, 2023, a team of 13 athletes from Special Olympics – North Macedonia participated in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. From the competitions in five disciplines: basketball, swimming, badminton, athletics, and table tennis, the Macedonian representatives won a total of 5 medals, namely:
Bronze medal: Mario Mickovski, swimming, category “100 meters freestyle“;
Bronze medal: Jane Nikodinoski, badminton;
Silver medal: Julijana Petrovska, athletics, category “Long jump from place“;
Silver medal: Stefan Trpkovski, swimming, category “100 meters backstroke“;
Gold medal: Agron Hajredini, athletics, category “Long jump from place“.
The participation in the Special Olympics World Games showed that we have capabilities, and indeed, great ones. The other athletes also achieved excellent results and demonstrated incredible sports spirit. We proved that we can compete with the greatest world powers, win, and earn medals on the world stage. We are pleased that we presented the Macedonian state with dignity, and we are proud that our national flag was raised on the podium in Berlin a total of 5 times – an achievement that does not happen every day, nor in any other competitive category.
“For me, every single Member, representative from our Special Olympics North Macedonia is a winner. Together we showed how dedication, hard work, and a lot of effort guarantee results. We won 5 medals, but perhaps more importantly – we also won the hearts of those present in Berlin, and I believe in Macedonia as well. We are truly proud of all our athletes, partners, supporters, and direct participants in these Special Olympics World Games. Congratulations also to the coaches who were with our athletes every moment, tirelessly supporting them.“ – said Monika Boskoska, President of Special Olympics – North Macedonia.
At the Special Olympics World Games (Special Olympics World Games), the Macedonian delegation consisted of 13 athletes, 6 coaches, 6 partners, and 5 delegates. The success in Berlin is the result of a lot of hard work, effort, and trust above all.
In this thought, great gratitude for the unconditional support and belief they had in us goes exclusively to the Agency for Youth and Sports of the Republic of North Macedonia and NLB Bank Skopje. We believe that the success will be recognized, and we encourage all well-meaning national institutions and organizations, commercial entities, and interested parties to stand by us, on the side of successes.
Regarding the successes of the Olympians, the President of the Management Board of NLB Bank Skopje, Branko Greganovic, as their biggest supporters, shared strong impressions: “We are happy for our Olympians who managed to give their all during the competitions in Berlin this year and proved their strong commitment and motivation to overcome barriers and expand sports capacities and skills with the 5 medals won. We thank them for the enthusiasm and successes! We share their passion for sports; it represents a universal language that helps us overcome cultural, language, and physical barriers. Once again, we extend congratulations for the phenomenal results and believe that together with them we will continue to create a better world through inclusion, not only in sports but in all areas of society.”
The Special Olympics World Games aim to unite diverse cultures and nations in one place, regardless of their views and thoughts, contributing to increasing the degree of inclusivity through sports. This year, more than 190 countries participated in the games with 7,000 representatives, supported by over 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers. Athletes competed in 26 different disciplines. During this event, in addition to participating in competitions, athletes had the opportunity to socialize with each other, meet a large number of people from around the world, and also demonstrate the power of a helping hand – with active involvement in various areas of society, from sports to stimulating the development of persons with intellectual disabilities.
