This weekend, the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor was filled with excitement and smiles as we celebrated the IX National More Than Tennis Event, a truly special gathering that brings together athletes with intellectual disabilities year after year. Organized by Rafa Nadal Foundation in collaboration with Special Olympics and with the invaluable support of our main sponsor, Banco Santander, More Than Tennis continues to be a heartwarming tradition.
This year, over 100 athletes from eight regions across Spain—Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, the Valencian Community, Catalonia, Madrid, Murcia, and the Balearic Islands—came to Manacor, eager to share a weekend full of sports, camaraderie, and friendship.
During the event, Rafael Nadal personally greeted the participants and shared some advice. With his trademark kindness and warmth, Rafa thanked them for coming back to Manacor for this special tournament and encouraged them to make the most of the experience. In his words, “Making friends, giving your best, and enjoying every moment” were the most important things. It was a memorable moment, full of inspiration and motivation for everyone.
From Friday onwards, the energy was unstoppable. The event kicked off with an emotional opening ceremony, where athletes paraded with the Olympic torch and took the oath to honor sportsmanship. From that point on, the fun never stopped: tennis matches at different levels, shared meals in the Academy dining hall, conversations with teammates from other regions, and, of course, the long-awaited athlete party!
This gathering is about much more than just sports: it’s about sharing, building memories, and reinforcing values that go beyond the tennis court. While sports activities were a central part of the weekend, each moment fostered companionship and inclusion—the very essence of Más Que Tenis.
Sunday’s closing ceremony was the perfect finale: medals and recognitions were awarded, celebrating each athlete’s dedication and effort.
The IX National Más Que Tenis event has once again shown the commitment of Special Olympics, the Rafa Nadal Foundation, and Banco Santander to promoting inclusive sports and highlighting the transformative power of sport in every person’s life.
Thank you to everyone who was a part of this wonderful event, from coaches to volunteers and, especially, to our athletes and their families. We continue working together for a more inclusive society, where sport is a tool for change and a bridge toward respect and equality. Until the next gathering!
