The outlines for the IJF Special Olympics event, set to take place in Sarajevo from 25th to 26th September 2026, have now been published. This event represents an historic milestone; for the first time, judoka with intellectual disabilities will compete within an IJF world-level framework.
Download the outlines of the event.
Interest has already been remarkable. Special Olympics has received pre-registrations from more than 150 participants, representing around 20 countries. The event will welcome both Special Olympics programmes and adaptive judo clubs affiliated with their national federations, marking a truly global and inclusive gathering.
In his message, Marius Vizer highlighted the spirit of the event, “Dear national federations, dear friends, we welcome you to Sarajevo, an accessible capital city that keeps its doors open for all branches of the judo family tree. We are looking forward to sharing this wonderful global event with you in the spirit of inclusion, equity and connectivity; these are principles which underpin our sport.”
The success of this initiative relies on strong collaboration at every level. Special recognition is given to Special Olympics Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose close co-operation with the Judo Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been instrumental in the planning and organisation of the event.
Judo Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina President Ognjen Pavlovic also expressed his pride, “I am honoured to invite all distinguished members of the International Judo Federation and Special Olympics to our beautiful country. Our Federation will do its best to make the event go well.”
From the Special Olympics perspective, the significance of this moment is equally clear. Miroslaw Krogulec, Vice President, Sports and Organisational Development Special Olympics, and Cecilia Evenblij, Global & SOEE Sport Advisor Judo Special Olympics, underlined the importance of this first event within the partnership, “We are deeply honoured to have the opportunity to be part of the IJF judo family. This important step makes it possible, for the first time, for judoka with intellectual disabilities to participate in an IJF world-level event.”
Following pre-registration, participating programmes and clubs have now received confirmation of their allocated places. Full entries must be submitted by 20th May 2026, with registration remaining open until the final deadline or until capacity is reached. Any unconfirmed places will be reallocated, with a final registration window open until 5th June 2026.
Beyond the numbers, Sarajevo 2026 stands as a powerful statement. It reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, respect and opportunity, core values at the heart of judo. As the global judo family prepares to gather in Bosnia and Herzegovina, this event promises not only high-level competition, but also a lasting legacy, proving that judo is truly for everyone.