Last weekend, the Ontinyent school hosted the First Inter-School Day of the More Than Tennis Project, an initiative organized jointly by the Rafa Nadal Foundation and Special Olympics Spain. This exciting event brought together athletes with intellectual disabilities from the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia, providing them with a platform to compete in what they are most passionate about: tennis.
With the participation of 54 athletes, 12 coaches, and 15 volunteers, the day was filled with emotions and sportsmanship. From the first serve to the last point, moments of camaraderie, perseverance, and fun were experienced. Each match was a celebration of effort and dedication, where the true prize was the pride of competing and improving, beyond the results on the court.
This event, which we hope will be the first of many, marks an important milestone for the More Than Tennis project, which seeks not only to promote sports among people with intellectual disabilities but also to promote values such as inclusion, teamwork, and equal opportunities.
The goals of these actions are to generate interest and motivation among the athletes who are already part of the program and to reach people who might potentially participate. It also aims to create activities beyond the National Meeting and regular training sessions, so that athletes who do not attend the National Meeting can also participate. Additionally, it seeks to encourage rotation in participation in extra activities, promoting interaction and socialization among the Más Que Tenis athletes. Ultimately, it aims to create an additional incentive for participation in the program, showing that it’s not just about training, but about creating meaningful and enriching experiences.
An Unforgettable Event
Thanks to the support of coaches, volunteers, and the families of the participants, this first inter-school day has become an unforgettable experience for everyone present. Watching the athletes enjoy themselves and overcome barriers on the tennis court reaffirmed our conviction that sports are a powerful tool for personal development and social integration.
We want to deeply thank everyone who made this event possible, from the coaches and volunteers to the local organizers. Together we have taken a great step toward consolidating this type of competition, and we are convinced that this is just the first of many inter-school days we will hold in the future.
At the Rafa Nadal Foundation, we will continue working so that, through sports, more people with intellectual disabilities can find a place to develop their full potential, compete, and have fun, always in an environment of respect and friendship.
Thank you to everyone who was part of this day. See you at the next competition!
