“Let Me Be Brave in the Attempt! – Around the World with Special Olympics Hungary”Photo Exhibition at the European Parliament

A photo exhibition entitled “Let Me Be Brave in the Attempt! – Around the World with Special Olympics Hungary” has opened in the European Parliament, organised by Pál Szekeres, MEP for Fidesz. Pál Szekeres — former Paralympic champion and a dedicated advocate of inclusive sport — hosted the leadership, athletes and experts of the Special Olympics movement at the Parliament on this occasion. A unique highlight of the event was a live performance by world-renowned Hungarian violinist Zoltán Mága.

As host, Szekeres stated: “Our aim is to draw attention to the social importance of sports for people with intellectual disabilities, so that the message of social inclusion — represented by the Special Olympics movement for more than fifty years — gains further ground in the European Parliament as well. The spirit of Special Olympics inspires millions around the world: through sport, it fosters awareness, determination and self-confidence, while strengthening a culture of mutual respect and acceptance.”

Guests gathered for the opening were welcomed via video message by Dr Tamás Sulyok, President of the Republic of Hungary. Speeches were also delivered in person by Dr Adrienn Tóth-Ferenci, First Secretary at the Embassy of Hungary in Belgium, and Gábor Schmidt, Deputy State Secretary for Sport Administration and Sport Development.

Lajos Lengyel, President of Special Olympics Hungary and co-organiser of the event, emphasised: “A picture is worth a thousand words: the photos reveal mutual love and appreciation, the ability to fight, and fair competition.”

The Brussels exhibition presents joint works by photographer and painter Wei Xiang and photographer György eM. Soós. The two artists have been closely connected to the Hungarian Special Olympics movement for three decades, consistently documenting its most moving and inspiring moments. Their photographs portray the efforts, enthusiasm, courage and exceptional achievements of the Special Olympics athletes — human stories, touching moments and uplifting victories unfold throughout the exhibition.

Background:
The Special Olympics movement was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and today involves 6.5 million athletes in programmes across some 200 countries. Since 1989, Special Olympics Hungary has supported the regular sporting activities, development and social visibility of people with mild, moderate, severe and multiple intellectual disabilities.