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Finnish celebrities and Special Olympics players competed in an exhibition match during the celebration of European Football Week. [Photos courtesy of Special Olympics Finland] |
The sixth annual Special Olympics European Football Week was held 24 April-3 May, 2006. More than 50 countries throughout Europe/Eurasia held events and activities for thousands of players with intellectual disabilities.
These articles and photographs provide an overview of some of the many ways the week was celebrated:
• Stories #1
(posted 3 May 2006)
• Stories #2
(posted 11 May 2006)
• New Stories #3
(posted 17 May 2006)
Football Week emphasize grassroots football development, with a focus on involving school-age children with intellectual disabilities. < View 2006 schedule of events for Special Olympics European Football Week >
 The Special Olympics football development project, which is supported by UEFA, counts the annual Football Week as one of its annual highlights. "Football Week has developed into a highly inclusive initiative that brings many new opportunities to players with intellectual disabilities," said Lars-Christer Olsson, chief executive, UEFA. "UEFA is pleased that clubs and federations continue to play an active role to ensure that UEFA's partnership with Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia underlines the broader benefits football can offer within society," continued Olsson.
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The Johan Cruyff Foundation supported Special Olympics European Football Week for the fifth year. This year it expanded its reach, having previously emphasized activities in Eastern Europe, by supporting several Special Olympics programs in Western Europe. "We believe that playing sports and organizing sports activities is a way of bringing young people together and giving them some added joy in their lives," said Carole Thate, director, Cruyff Foundation.
As part of promotional efforts for the Special Olympics European Football Week, a public service announcement (PSA) created in 2001 and starring Barry Cairns, Jr. a Special Olympics athlete from northern England, continues to be shown every year by national and commercial broadcasters in Europe. Learn more about, and watch, this award-winning PSA. |
"Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia values the support the Cruyff Foundation provides to young people with intellectual disabilities," said Michael Smith, managing director, Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia. "As a result of its support, the Cruyff Foundation provides grassroots opportunities for young people with intellectual disabilities to be part of their communities in a highly participatory and inclusive way."
Many of the teams that participated in the sixth annual Special Olympics European Football Week will also compete in the Special Olympics European Youth Games, which will be held 30 September-5 October, 2006 in Rome, Italy. Unified Football will be one of seven sports in the Youth Games that focuses on young people between the ages of 12 and 21.
For more information on Football Week, e-mail Miroslaw Krogulec, Senior Manager, Sports and Programs, Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia.
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