Opened by the Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Přemysl Sobotka, the Games featured more than 800 athletes from 34 countries

Nine sports were contended – swimming, athletics, futsal, basketball, cycling, tennis and table tennis. Judo and indoor rowing were demonstration sports.

The 2009 edition saw Australia emerge as a strong force in intellectual impairment sport. Finishing first in the medals table with 20 gold, 15 silver and 13 bronze, they won 18 more medals than nearest rivals Portugal who claimed 30 podiums.