The swimming venue was one of the most popular at the Special Olympics European Youth Games that were held September 30-October 6, 2006 in Rome, Italy. The Youth Games focused on athletes with intellectual disabilities between the ages of 12-21 and is considered the largest sports competition in Europe for this age group in 2006. Two hundred and fifty swimmers from 51 countries competed in 14 events; three of these were for swimmers with low ability. The bright, warm sunshine and the exuberant crowd that packed the stands around the open-air pool at the Centro Sportivo Giulio Onesti helped create a festive atmosphere. During awards ceremonies, guests such as HSH Princess Nora of Liechtenstein, an IOC member, HSH Princess Marie of Liechtenstein, and Laszlo Szakadati, LEN Director, had the honor of presenting swimmers with their medals. In September in Patras, Greece, an agreement was signed by LEN and Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia to develop swimming opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

As a first common action falling under the agreement between Ligue Europenne de Natation and Special Olympics, during the 28th European Swimming Championships held recently in Budapest (HUN), on the 1st August a demonstration race has been organised for intellectual disabled athletes.
Two 50m heats were on the schedule, and the swims were cheered by the almost 5000 spectators packing the stands of the “Hajos Alfred” Swimming Complex.
The applause were coming to appreciate the excellent performances of these young swimmers.