From grassroots participation and Unified football initiatives to fan festival activations at major UEFA finals, the partnership between UEFA and Special Olympics has grown into a strategic collaboration focused on inclusion and changing perceptions.
Today, Special Olympics works alongside UEFA and dozens of its national associations across Europe to create more opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to participate in football, while also promoting wider social inclusion through events such as European Football Week and the UEFA EURO 2024 tandem volunteers programme.
In an interview, Monica Namy, UEFA Social & Environmental Sustainability Senior Expert, reflects on the evolution of the partnership, the impact of football as a tool for inclusion, and why creating spaces where everyone feels welcome remains central to UEFA’s #FootbALL approach.
UEFA and Special Olympics have worked together for more than two decades. How would you describe the evolution and significance of this partnership today?
The partnership between UEFA and Special Olympics has evolved from what was once primarily financial support into a strategic collaboration that actively drives inclusion across European football.
Today, Special Olympics works hand in hand with no fewer than 40 UEFA member associations to expand participation opportunities. Not only at grassroots level, but also within national teams competing in international tournaments.
Guided by a shared commitment to ensure football is genuinely open and welcoming to everyone, this partnership creates lasting value: for UEFA, its member associations and Special Olympics, but also for society as a whole.
Inclusion is a key pillar of UEFA’s “#FootbALL” approach. How does Special Olympics European Football Week help bring this ambition to life in practice?
With thousands of participants across dozens of European countries, European Football Week stands as a flagship example of how UEFA’s #FootbALL ambition is translated into tangible, impactful action on the ground. By bringing together people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team, it creates meaningful opportunities for connection, understanding and inclusion.
Ultimately, the European Football Week turns the message “everyone is welcome” into lived experiences, fostering a true sense of belonging and shared joy across communities.
Why is football such a powerful tool to promote inclusion and bring together people with and without intellectual disabilities?
Football is not only the world’s most popular sport, it is also simple and accessible, making it a fantastic tool for inclusion. When people train and compete together, they are united by a shared language and passion, rather than divided by their differences. Special Olympics’ Unified model perfectly embodies this spirit, bringing players together on the same team regardless of ability or background, and creating an environment where inclusion becomes both natural and meaningful.
Can you share an example or moment that reflects the value or impact of UEFA and Special Olympics working together?
For many years, Special Olympics has showcased its unique approach through its presence at our fan festivals organised around UEFA finals. These activations serve as a powerful reminder that footballers of all abilities bring their own personalities, talents and ambitions to the game.
Off the pitch, the UEFA EURO 2024 Volunteers Programme offered another strong illustration of this impact. Directly inspired by Special Olympics’ “tandem volunteering” model, it brought together volunteers with and without intellectual disabilities, welcoming fans and supporting accessibility in host cities, thereby directly contributing to the overall tournament experience. Beyond providing meaningful roles at a major sporting event, the initiative helped shift perceptions among both fans and organisers, demonstrating in a very tangible way what inclusion can look like in practice.
Finally, what message would you like to share with the thousands of Special Olympics players, Unified partners, coaches, officials and volunteers involved in European Football Week and other football initiatives?
To every athlete, Unified partner, coach, official and volunteer: you are the heart of this movement. Through your passion and commitment, you are not only playing football, you are changing perceptions and shaping more inclusive communities across Europe. Keep believing in the power of our game, because every match, every training session and every shared moment brings us closer to a future where football truly belongs to everyone.
