Pope Francis has received a delegation of the next International Special Olympic Games

Sport represents the “joy of moving … of being together,” the “joy for life and the gifts that the Creator bestows on us each day.” However, it also helps to spread a “culture of encounter and solidarity” that promotes “a more inclusive society,” because “every life is precious.”

This morning in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father addressed these words to a delegation of the World Winter Games organized by “Special Olympics International.

” These games will be held from 14 to 25 March, in Austria, in Graz, Schladming, and Ramsau. This is an international event, a competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities. The movement “Special Olympics” offers the opportunity to over four million athletes, from 170 different countries, to practice 32 different kinds of sports, thus giving them opportunities for interaction and growth.