From 29 September to 1 October, the Rafa Nadal Academy once again became the meeting point for one of the most special events of the year for the Rafa Nadal Foundation and Special Olympics Spain: the XI Más Que Tenis National Meeting.
For three days, 77 athletes with intellectual disabilities, accompanied by their coaches, enjoyed a unique experience centred around their great passion: tennis. Once again, the event showed that sport is about much more than competition: it is a tool for sharing, learning, building connections and enjoying time together.
16 years promoting sport and inclusion
The National Meeting is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the Más Que Tenis project, jointly developed by the Rafa Nadal Foundation and Special Olympics Spain for 16 years.
Through this project, both organisations bring sport to people with intellectual disabilities while promoting values such as teamwork, effort, independence and inclusion.
This season, Más Que Tenis reaches more than 440 athletes, who take part in 30 schools across 11 autonomous communities in Spain. The National Meeting provides a unique opportunity for many of them to meet one another, share experiences and enjoy their favourite sport together.
An emotional start
The XI National Meeting began on the afternoon of 29 September with the traditional opening ceremony, a symbolic moment that marked the start of three very special days.
As every year, one of the most emotional moments was the athletes’ oath, representing the spirit of determination and the values that accompany all the participants. This was followed by the Olympic torch relay, which travelled through the Academy’s facilities and officially marked the beginning of the tournament.
From that moment on, the Rafa Nadal Academy’s courts were filled with matches, effort, excitement and plenty of smiles.
Much more than tennis
Throughout the competition, the 77 athletes gave their very best in every match. They gave their all, celebrated every point, learned from every game and, above all, enjoyed every minute on court.
But the National Meeting is about much more than the matches. Between competitions, participants also had the opportunity to explore and discover the Rafa Nadal Academy’s facilities, spend time with athletes from other regions and strengthen the friendships that make this project such a special experience.
Because one of the great values of Más Que Tenis is precisely this: creating spaces where sport becomes a meeting point and where every participant can feel part of a big family.
Thank you to everyone who made it possible
An event of this scale would not be possible without the involvement of the many people who, year after year, help make each edition so special.
The tournament was supported by officials and volunteers, who were present at every match and accompanied the athletes throughout the different days. Their commitment, dedication and enthusiasm were essential to making the event a success.
The XI Más Que Tenis National Meeting was also sponsored by Banco Santander, whose support helps make this project possible and ensures that more and more people with intellectual disabilities can enjoy sport.
A memorable finale
The final day brought one of the most eagerly awaited moments: the medal ceremony for all participating athletes.
One by one, they received their medals after three days filled with effort, excitement and camaraderie. It was a highly emotional moment that brought the meeting to a close, leaving behind countless memories and, undoubtedly, new friendships.
Because in Más Que Tenis, everyone has a reason to celebrate. Every match, every point, every effort and every smile are part of an experience that goes far beyond the final result.
From the Rafa Nadal Foundation and Special Olympics Spain, we would like to thank the 77 athletes, their coaches, the officials, volunteers and everyone who helped make this XI National Meeting possible.
And, of course, thank you to all the athletes for reminding us once again that the true spirit of sport lies in enjoying, sharing and giving your very best.