Tarragona Welcomes 1,600 Athletes for the Special Olympics 2026 Opening Day
The 13th edition of the Special Olympics opened its competitive schedule on Saturday in Tarragona, bringing together more than 1,600 athletes with functional diversity from across Catalonia, 11 autonomous communities, and seven European countries. Competition spans over 15 disciplines across multiple municipal venues, establishing this year’s event as the second most multitudinous in the history of the games, surpassed only by the 1992 Barcelona edition.
Anella Mediterrània Centers Multi-Sport Schedule
The Anella Mediterrània serves as the primary hub for the weekend’s events, hosting track and field, jumping, swimming, water polo, cycling, basketball, and handball across its indoor pavilions, outdoor tracks, and aquatics facilities. Additional sports take place at satellite venues throughout the city and surrounding areas. Football 5 and football 7 matches are stationed behind the main complex at the Ciudad Deportiva del Gimnàstic de Tarragona, while petanca competitions are held at the Fútbol Municipal La Granja pitch.
Venue Distribution Across Tarragona and La Canonja
Racquet sports are divided between Golf Costa Daurada—which hosts tennis and padel—and the Riu Clar pavilion, designated for badminton and table tennis. Sailing events take place at the Real Club Náutico de Tarragona. Competition fields also extend beyond city limits into La Canonja, where local pavilion spaces accommodate gymnastics routines. Alongside the athletic schedule, the Anella Mediterrània hosts public initiatives including an entity fair open to the local community.
Closing Ceremonies and Final Schedule
Athletic competition continues through Sunday, followed by the conclusion of the games on Monday, October 12. The final day features an inclusive community walk alongside an official closing ceremony hosted at the Tàrraco Arena.
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