The key objective of this project is to ensure the successful implementation of the 2014 European Special Olympic Games, which will be the largest international multisports event of the year in Europe, and to ensure a successful legacy afterwards, whilst supporting the 28 National Programmes in the EU to participate in these Games by organising sports seminars and workshops and developing government awareness programmes throughout Europe. This project will bring together athletes, coaches, volunteers, families, supporters, media and communities from all over Europe to stage the Games in Belgium, bringing to life the European Commission objective to promote European fundamental values by encouraging sport for persons with disabilities. Upholding the ideal of social inclusion through shared team experience, the project creates an environment where people with an intellectual disability and people without an intellectual disability can learn about each other and overcome barriers that prevent the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities in schools, sports clubs and society in general. The action will also up-skill participating countries and help develop their capacity to expand their opportunities and fulfil their potential as they participate in the 2014 Games that will showcase their abilities on an international stage. In Belgium, Special Olympics has a long tradition and an excellent reputation in organising large-scale games, including special events such as the Healthy Athlete Programme. Every year, the National Games are organised for 4 days with 3,000 participating athletes from all parts of the country. All this is achieved thanks to the commitment of over 2,000 experienced volunteers, and numerous sponsors. Together with the Games organising committee (GOC) Special Olympics Belgium has taken up the challenge to play a role in a growing and expanding Special Olympics participation in Europe. It wants to unite athletes from all corners of Europe and Eurasia at the hearth of the European Union, calling these European Games "The Games of the heart" creating European visibility for Antwerp, Flanders and the whole of Belgium. The Games will reach out to cities and regions in the whole of Belgium and to the European Union to support and participate in the 2014 Games. Belgium will play host to 58 delegations consisting of 2024 athletes, 603 coaches and 209 delegation members, along with 3-4000 volunteers, 2000 family members, 300 medical staff and 300 officials. The host country Belgium will have a delegation of 394 Belgian athletes and 198 Belgian coaches. Athletes will be participating in 11 sports including Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Bocce, Cycling, Football, Gymnastics, Judo, Swimming, Table Tennis and Motor Activity Training (for the very severely disabled) and in two demonstration sports – tennis and sailing. Whilst sport is its main focus, Special Olympics supports athletes and their families on and off the sports field. It also promotes volunteerism, social inclusion and delivers public health; it empowers people with intellectual disabilities and breaks down barriers between the disabled and non-disabled. All of these non-sport disciplines will also be demonstrated during the European Games. Special Olympics embodies many EU goals such as delivering social inclusion, respect, volunteering, and health on a daily basis – not just around big events but as a global movement providing year-round sports training and athletic competition in 32 Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia (SOEE) assists its accredited grass roots Programmes in becoming better known, better funded and more successful in both expanding and improving sports opportunities and other initiatives for individuals with intellectual disabilities including Healthy athletes, the Athlete Leadership program and family support networks.