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Football, one of the most popular sports Special Olympics offers, was celebrated on a Europe-wide basis during Special Olympics European Football Week, held during the week of 22-29 April 2003 (view formal schedule of events or a wrap-up of action in many countries). |
The third Special Olympics European Football Week was held during the week of 22-29 April 2003. [Read a wrap-up of some of the many events held throughout the Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia region] Approximately 15,000 players with mental retardation participated in football (soccer) events in more than 40 countries.
"The Special Olympics European Football Week is the largest celebration of its kind in the world," said Michael Smith, Managing Director of the Brussels-based office of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia. "We continue to have a tremendous response from UEFA, the Johan Cruyff Welfare Foundation, the national football associations, clubs, sponsors, volunteers and the media for making this opportunity happen for thousands of individuals with mental handicaps," Smith said.
Highlight events this year included a Special Olympics football tournament in St. Petersburg as part of the city's 300th anniversary; regional competitions throughout Serbia and Montenegro; involvement of the women's national football team in Germany; events at five professional clubs in Spain, and .involvement of Serie A and Serie B clubs in Italy.
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UEFA supports the belief that football should be used as a force for broader benefit within society, using its potential to influence attitudes and behavior beyond the confines of the stadium. In 1999, UEFA's Executive Committee decided to use fines imposed in competitions for specific purposes such as humanitarian aid and educational projects. UEFA's charity portfolio currently supports the following organizations and causes: Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia, the Danish Open Fun Football Schools, Football against Racism in Europe, and the International Committee of the Red Cross. |
Football is one of the program's most popular sports, with 25,000 Special Olympics players in Europe/Eurasia. Special Olympics expects to double the number of players by 2005 through its football development project, and the European Football Week is one of the highlights of the project.
"I encourage everyone in the European football family to give their full support to the Special Olympics European Football Week. Through our encouragement, commitment and solidarity we can show that football is truly for everyone," said Gerhard Aigner, chief executive officer, UEFA.
To achieve the goal of bringing opportunities to 50,000 new players by 2005, the Special Olympics football development project focuses on:
• Recruiting and training 2,000 new volunteer coaches
• Creating 100 new local and national competitions and leagues
• Expanding the Special Olympics Unified Sports® football program (players with and without mental retardation to participate on teams together) to 5,000 players
• Increasing opportunities for school-based players
• Increasing opportunities for female players
• Increasing involvement of national football associations and creating high-profile public awareness campaigns
 The Johan Cruyff Welfare Foundation agreed to continue as European Partner of the Special Olympics European Football Week. Johan Cruyff is considered one of European football's greatest players and his foundation, established in 1997, is dedicated to building sports projects for underprivileged children around the world, with particular emphasis on projects for children with handicaps. "I believe that through sports children can develop the necessary social skills that can sustain them through life. I am pleased that the Cruyff Foundation has continued its partnership with Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia which shares my philosophy about the importance of sports and recreation for children, including those with mental handicaps," Cruyff said.
For more information about Special Olympics European Football Week, contact Beverley Hill at bhill@specialolympics.org.
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(View Schedule of Events for European Football Week)
Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia Programs |
Albania
Andorra
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Great Britain
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Isle of Man
Israel
Italy |
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
FYR Macedonia
Malta
Moldova
Monaco
The Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
San Marino
Serbia and Montenegro
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Tajikistan
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
Uzbekistan |
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