2,000 athletes compete at the world’s happiest sporting festival

The cheers and applause at Kulladals IP in Malmö grew louder as athletes from around the world competed in the Special Olympics.

Around 2,000 athletes from 25 countries have come to the Swedish city for the international event, which features competitors with intellectual disabilities across 11 sports.

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It is fun to cheer for everyone.

Beata Silemo, 28, from Stockholm, competed in the 100 meters and shot put and was preparing for the long jump. She said the schedule was hectic, but enjoyed competing against friends and athletes from other countries. In the shot put, she faced competitors from Finland, Belgium and France.

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It went really well. I came third in the 100-meter race, and now it is shot put.

Simon Holst of Kalmar SK said he finished third in the 100 meters in 16.80 seconds and was moving on to shot put. Estonia’s Rebeka Gepner competed in the 50 meters and said the trip to Malmö marked her first flight on an airplane.

Spectators and competitors also spent time cheering for athletes waiting for their own events. Ester Fehrs of IFK Mora FIK said she enjoyed supporting everyone.

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It is really hectic. But it is fun to compete against your friends and against others. You just try to do your best.