From 22 to 24 May 2026, PK SPID hosted the 7th edition of the International Para Swimming Competition Sarajevo Open 2026, organized within the framework of the ParaSwInclusion project.
This year’s competition gathered 110 athletes representing 17 clubs from 7 countries: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Germany, further strengthening Sarajevo Open’s position as one of the leading regional para swimming events and an important platform for inclusive sport.
Sarajevo Open 2026 brought together a diverse community of athletes, coaches, sports professionals, and institutions, creating an environment that celebrates sporting excellence, collaboration, and inclusion. The event welcomed participants of different ages, sporting backgrounds, and competitive levels, united by a shared commitment to performance, perseverance, and fair play.
A particular highlight of this year’s competition was the participation of elite para swimmers and medalists from major international sporting events, including the European Championships, World Championships, and Paralympic Games. Their presence contributed to the exceptionally high competitive standard of the event and provided inspiration for young and emerging athletes.
Organized in line with the principles of the ParaSwInclusion project, Sarajevo Open continues to promote an innovative and inclusive sporting model in which the focus is placed on athletic achievement, effort, and sporting values rather than physical differences. The competition embodies the belief that sport has the power to remove barriers, encourage participation, and create opportunities for meaningful social inclusion.
Alongside individual performances and medal ceremonies, the competition also featured team rankings, recognizing the collective success and dedication of participating clubs and national teams. The trophies for the top three teams were awarded to:
🥇 1st Place – PK SPID
🥈 2nd Place – Croatian Para Swimming National Team
🥉 3rd Place – Para Swimming Club Cipal Split
The successful organization of Sarajevo Open 2026 reflects the growing importance of inclusive sports initiatives in the region and highlights the role of sport as a powerful driver of equality, empowerment, and international cooperation. By bringing together athletes from multiple countries and competitive backgrounds, the event once again demonstrated that sport can create spaces where differences are respected, abilities are celebrated, and everyone competes under the same values.
Another important milestone marked this year’s edition of Sarajevo Open 2026. For the first time in the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a national para swimming classification process was conducted during the competition, representing a significant step forward for the development of para swimming in the country.
The classification was carried out by Silva Žabo, a recognized international classifier accredited by World Para Swimming (WPS), whose expertise and contribution made this historic achievement possible and further strengthened the advancement of national para swimming structures and athlete support systems.
Sarajevo Open 2026 stands as a strong example of how inclusive sporting events can promote not only athletic achievement, but also solidarity, community engagement, and broader social impact.
In sport, we are all equal — we all swim in the same pool.
