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Special Olympics athlete Luke Nuyts successful in helping his team win. |
On 11 September 2007, Special Olympics Europe/ Eurasia organized its third annual football tournament at the European Parliament to celebrate how sports can improve the public's understanding of the gifts and abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics athletes were joined on the pitch by a selection of representatives from European Commission and the European Parliament. Together, they played four games of Unified Sports® football (soccer).
The aim of the event was to raise awareness among Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) about the positive role sport can play in terms of social inclusion, and contribute to a new European attitude toward sports and persons with intellectual disabilities. “It was the enthusiasm and determination of Luke Nuyts in defense that won us two games today,” said British MEP Chris Heaton-Harris, whose office sponsored the event. " On the pitch he is a really John Terry! Congratulations again to him."
“Football is not just about millionaire players, football is played everyday by millions of people in the world. We are delighted to support Special Olympics in its grassroots development. This is the third year we support this European Parliament event and we are thinking about ways to make even more people participate in future. It is a great event!” said Jonathan Hill, head of UEFA's Brussels office.
Amongst officials present that day were Pedro Velasquez, from the Sport Unit - Education and Culture Directorate-General at the European Commission; Members of the European Parliament Chris Heaton-Harris, Petr Duchon, Szabolls Fazakas and Richard Ashworth. SKY television was a sponsor of the event and was represented by Julie Kolokotsa. European Commission and the European Parliament. Together, they played four games of Unified Sports® football (soccer).
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Special Olympics athletes, Members of Parliament and representatives from the European Commission in front of the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium (Courtesy of Chris Heaton-Harris office). |
The aim of the event was to raise awareness among Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) about the positive role sport can play in terms of social inclusion, and contribute to a new European attitude toward sports and persons with intellectual disabilities. “It was the enthusiasm and determination of Luke Nuyts in defense that won us two games today,” said British MEP Chris Heaton-Harris, whose office sponsored the event. " On the pitch he is a really John Terry! Congratulations again to him."
“Football is not just about millionaire players, football is played everyday by millions of people in the world. We are delighted to support Special Olympics in its grassroots development. This is the third year we support this European Parliament event and we are thinking about ways to make even more people participate in future. It is a great event!” said Jonathan Hill, head of UEFA's Brussels office.
Amongst officials present that day were Pedro Velasquez, from the Sport Unit - Education and Culture Directorate-General at the European Commission; Members of the European Parliament Chris Heaton-Harris, Petr Duchon, Szabolls Fazakas and Richard Ashworth. SKY television was a sponsor of the event and was represented by Julie Kolokotsa. The event was organized under the auspices of the European Parliament Sports Intergroup and with the support of UEFA, the European football governing body. The city of Brussels and city police provided the logistics of the event. The referee was provided by the Belgian Football Association.
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