Football stands as one of the most beloved team sports among Special Olympics athletes across Europe and Eurasia, and UEFA’s support has been instrumental in elevating these opportunities ever since the establishment of our partnership in 1999.
Thanks to our partners, Special Olympics not only sustains its robust football programs but also enhances their quality, ensuring that every athlete can experience the very best the sport has to offer. And 2025 was no exception.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said: "UEFA is deeply honoured to join Special Olympics in celebrating the 25th anniversary of European Football Week. This milestone is a sincere tribute to the spirit of inclusion and a reminder that football truly belongs to each of us. It is a moment to celebrate the true heroes and those who support them behind the scenes: the teachers, coaches, families and volunteers whose unwavering support makes such moments a reality. Through their quiet leadership and tireless work, they are making the world a better place. And for that, we offer our heartfelt gratitude."
Within the frame of European Football Week, UEFA has sustained our local programming with their staunch commitment to inclusive football but it also offered an incredible platform for our athletes to shine, by inviting Special Olympics at UEFA Fan Festivals in Spain and Poland. This recognition put our movement at the forefront of international football and was a wonderful opportunity for Special Olympics footballers to showcase their skills and bravery. Needless to say, the excitement ran high!
UEFA Europa League 2025 Final in Bilbao, Spain
In occasion of the UEFA Europe League 2025 Final in Bilbao, a group of Special Olympics footballers had the pleasure of playing a demonstrative match at the Fan Festival ahead of the Championship match, but what made the experience truly unforgettable was the surprise visit of football legend Aritz Aduriz—who met our athletes and signed a jersey for the lucky ones!
“It is important that Special Olympics is present at big events like this because it gives visibility to inclusion”, said Special Olympics Spain footballer Edurne Gonzalez.
“It shows that sport is for everyone and encourages other people with disabilities to join us.”
UEFA Conference League in Wrocław, Poland
To conclude the triad of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Programmes at the UEFA Fan Festival, Special Olympics Poland was also invited to play a demo match ahead of the UEFA Conference League Final in Wrocław, Poland.
The Fan Festival took place in the main market square of town, and in the morning ahead of the Conference League Final, two Special Olympics Poland teams launched into an engaging 5-a-side football match that had all spectators stop by to cheer on our athletes!
Wiktor Redelbach, Special Olympics Poland footballer shared with us the excitement of the day: “What I liked best of today was the possibility of showcasing my skills in the main market square of Wrocław.”
“There were crowds of Betis and Chealsea supporters singing and dancing and they could all see us!”, he continued. “We wanted to demonstrate to everyone that we can play football, too!”.
