Love for Football Ties Us All Together!

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Brazilians legends Romario and Zico, two of the World's most loved football heroes, are the latest to be tied together with the Special Olympics movement and millions of athletes around the world.

Special Olympics Brazil footballer promotes the wear the laces campaign

A Special Olympics Brazilian soccer team member laces up his soccer shoes with red laces to promote the Wear the Laces campaign.

Visiting the divisioning session with Team Brazil on Sunday, Romario and Zico announced that they have taken on a new role as ambassadors for Special Olympics, committed to using their profile and influence to promote respect, acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities worldwide.

Both ambassadors jumped straight into their new role! Within minutes of the announcement Romario and Zico pulled out their shoelaces and tied up their new ones as part of the Special Olympics Wear the Laces campaign. Elsewhere at the Hellinikon Olympics stadium, South African football legend and Special Olympics Ambassador Luca Radabe was busy doing the same with Team South Africa.

Romario pulls out his shoelaces and ties up his new ones as part of the Special Olympics Wear the Laces campaign.

The three legends gave athletes a few tips on training and techniques. And of course the athletes were delighted and awed to get the chance to have their photo taken with their national football heroes.

"Today I join the Special Olympics family and I am proud to Wear the Laces for Special Olympics" said Romario, "Unfortunately not enough people realize the impact that our movement has for athletes and their families. I believe that there is nothing more powerful than sport to help us create a new world where everyone is accepted and respected regardless of their abilities or disabilities; a community of respect and love."

Zico huddles with Special Olympics athletes

Zico, a new ambassador for Special Olympics, huddles with Brazilian Special Olympics soccer team. He is committed to promote respect, acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities worldwide.

"By wearing the laces," added Romario "I feel tied to my special friends and focused on my job in helping them reach their full potential."

Join your heroes Romario, Zico and Luca Radabe in wearing the laces for Special Olympics. Purchase your own laces and find out more by visiting www.wearthelaces.org.