Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Athletes,
It is a great honor for me to welcome The European Youth Games for the Disabled – the Emil Open - to Brno for the eleventh time. I am truly fond of this event. Its primary aim is sports activity, nevertheless in my eyes it is also about friendship, tolerance and mutual respect. This is well evidenced by the strong participation of foreign athletes from all over Europe.
I think athletes have something to look forward to. Disabled youth will experience the atmosphere of a top-level tournament, but in friendly spirit and relaxed atmosphere. Recent years, including this one, have not been easy for any of us, and it is the Emil Open that will give us the opportunity to forget all our worries and be carried away by the joy of movement. I believe that Ukrainian athletes in particular will appreciate it very much.
And if you want to spice up your sports experience a little more, I can recommend you visit pulsating streets of our beautiful city. In Brno you can see a number of architectural monuments, visit the local zoo or experience the cultural scene in theaters and galleries. I believe that your time spent here will be pleasant and that you will gladly keep coming back.
Markéta Vaňková
Mayor of the City of Brno
