The competition will be conducted in accordance with the Official Special Olympics International Kayaking Rules (2024) and the relevant Special Olympics sport policies and procedures. All participating delegations, coaches, and athletes are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the official rules prior to the competition. The Official Special Olympics Kayaking Rules can be found here, while the latest rule amendments and updates are also available. In matters not specifically addressed by the Official Special Olympics Kayaking Rules, the applicable regulations of the International Canoe Federation (ICF) shall apply.

HOD and Technical Meetings will be held in English. During the meeting will be provided important technical information, competition procedures, schedule updates, safety instructions, and any final details related to the event. Attendance by at least one representative from each delegation is strongly recommended.

The LOC is committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive, and athlete-centered environment for all participants throughout the Special Olympics European Kayaking Competition 2026. Safeguarding refers to the measures and procedures implemented to protect athletes, Unified Partners, HoD, coaches, volunteers, officials, and all participants from any form of abuse, neglect, harassment, bullying, discrimination, exploitation, or inappropriate conduct. The LOC is committed to ensuring that all participants are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness at all times.
The LOC adopts a zero-tolerance approach toward any form of physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, verbal, or online abuse, harassment, bullying, intimidation, discrimination, or any behaviour that may compromise the safety, well-being, or dignity of participants. The LOC reserves the right to take immediate protective measures, including the removal or suspension of any individual whose conduct may pose a risk to the safety or well-being of participants.

All delegation members, coaches, officials, volunteers, and staff are expected to:
• Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of every participant.
• Contribute to a positive, safe, and inclusive environment.
• Act appropriately and professionally at all times.
• Immediately report any safeguarding concern, incident, or suspicion of misconduct.
• Comply with all applicable Special Olympics safeguarding policies and procedures.

Special Olympics Hellas is aligned with the guidelines approved by the General Secretariat of Sports, and the LOC has appointed a Competition Safeguarding Officer in accordance with the applicable safeguarding requirements. The Competition Safeguarding Officer will be present throughout the competition and will be responsible for receiving and managing any safeguarding concerns or reports, in line with the Special Olympics safeguarding policies and applicable national legislation. The Competition Safeguarding Officer will be introduced during the Heads of Delegation (HoD) Meeting, where the relevant contact information and reporting procedures will be communicated to all delegations.

Any safeguarding concern should be reported without delay to the Competition Safeguarding Officer. All reports will be treated seriously, confidentially, and in accordance with Special Olympics safeguarding procedures and applicable national legislation. 

The Opening Ceremony will take place on Friday, 30 October 2026, at 18:00, in the coastal area of Georgioupolis, just a five-minute distance from the hotel.
Delegations will gather at the hotel lobby before departing for the Opening Ceremony. Upon arrival at the venue, they will enter from the Georgioupolis beachfront avenue, with the beautiful Cretan Sea as a backdrop, and proceed to the green park where the ceremony will take place.

The ceremony will begin with the Parade of Delegations, during which all participating delegations will march wearing their official Special Olympics team uniforms. This will be followed by the official ceremonial program, featuring speeches, artistic performances, and the active participation of Special Olympics athletes, celebrating inclusion, friendship, and the joy of sport.

Delegations are reminded that the display of national flags is not allowed on uniforms. Tape will be available for delegations to cover flags on uniforms should it be needed.

All delegations will be transported to and from the venue with official event buses provided by the LOC. The exact departure time of the opening ceremony will be announced at a later stage.

The Closing Ceremony will take place on Sunday, 1 November and will include an official ceremonial program, followed by music, dancing, and entertainment for all participants. The venue and exact starting time of the closing ceremony will be communicated at a later stage.

During the Opening Ceremony, a Torch Run Relay event will be organized to mark the beginning of the Special Olympics European Kayaking Competition 2026. The Torch Run Relay will actively involve Special Olympics athletes, Unified Partners, students from local schools, and volunteers, creating a powerful and inclusive celebration that reflects the values of unity, participation, and community engagement.