The FINA Swimming World Cup in Kazan has come to an end, but in addition to sporting results, these three days will be remembered not only by the participants of the competition, but also by wonderful children who overcame all their fears and despite the difficulties visit the pool and swim.

On October 29, under the auspices of the FINA Development Center, as well as the Republican Sports Adaptive School, an incredible 50-meter freestyle swim for children with disabilities called "Special Swim" took place.

Eight extraordinary children aged 11 to 16 years demonstrated courage and bravery, going to the start in the main competitive pool of the FINA World Cup in Swimming (25m).

The children approached the start accompanied by famous athletes, FINA ECM participants, as well as well-known public figures such as:

Zsuzsanna Jakabos (Hungary) - multiple European champion,

Alexander Krasnykh (Russia) - Olympic Silver medalist,

Jesse Puts (Netherlands) is a multiple World Cup medalist and Brent Nowicki (USA) is the executive director of the FINA.

In addition to the star guests, special children were helped by our athletes-fellows of the FINA Development Center:

Salvador Gordo, Ronan Wantenaar, Colins Obi, Lorena Gonzalez.

For special children, this day will be remembered for a long time. Therefore, performing at such a high level with the support of famous athletes is what allows you to move forward and develop, once again making sure that sport has no borders.

Oksana Popkova, the mother of one of the private owners of the "Special Race" summed up the opinion about this wonderful sports festival: "The most important thing is that the children were very happy to participate in such a grand event. To walk by the hand and become an athlete is the dream of any child. It's great that FINA is paying attention to the issue of inclusivity in sports.

Joy in the eyes and smiles were on the faces of every little athlete. This event will be an incentive for striving for new achievements and successes in swimming. Thanks to the organizers, as well as famous sports figures from children and their parents.".

The sports festival was a success - after all, sport is something more than results.