Over two thousand athletes with disabilities participated in the Special Olympics National Games Twente 2022 in early June. During these National Games, various sports tournaments were organized throughout Twente. On Saturday, July 2nd, the 25th and final tournament will take place during the Triathlon Holten.
In total, there are more than twenty-five different Special Olympics sports, including swimming, cycling, and athletics. These disciplines have never before come together in the form of a triathlon during the National Games. That will change on July 2nd, as the Triathlon Holten becomes the host of the last sports tournament and a group of elite G-athletes travels to Twente.
Initially, the idea was to set up a separate program on the weekend of the Special Olympics. This proved unattainable for the budding sport in the G-division. Therefore, the athletes will now start during the eighth triathlon of Holten. In this way, the part of the Special Olympics National Games 2022 is incorporated into the larger program of the Triathlon Holten. Never before has a group of G-triathletes participated in such a large event. Additionally, they are exploring how the G-Triathlon can become a permanent part of the Holten triathlon classic.
Always a winner
One of the participants competing in the Triathlon on July 2nd is Esmee Anne de Meulmeester. Despite her epilepsy, the 23-year-old athlete has won several medals in swimming. De Meulmeester was therefore ready for a new challenge: the triathlon sport. It is certain that she possesses enormous perseverance, as she first had to overcome her fear of cycling. With this, she inspires others to keep dreaming because a winner is within everyone. This is exactly what the Special Olympics theme song ‘Always a Winner’ is about. This song was written by the Holten producer Edwin van Hoevelaak.
