Photo by Adam Nurkiewicz
Football is the most popular team sports at special Olympic athletes in Europe and Eurasia, and UEFA support has played an important role in increasing these opportunities since the founding of our partnership in 1999.
Thanks to our partners, Special Olympics not only supports its robust football programs, but also improves their quality, so that every athlete can experience the very best that the sport has to offer. And 2025 was no exception.
UEFA President Aleksander čferin said: “UEFA is deeply honored to participate in Special Olympics when celebrating the 25one jubilee of European Football Week. This milestone is a genuine tribute to the spirit of inclusion and a memory football Really hears from us. It is a time to celebrate the true heroes and those who support them behind the scenes: the teachers, coaches, families and volunteers whose relentless support makes such moments reality. Because of their calm leadership and tireless work, they make the world a better place. And for that we offer our genuine gratitude. “
Photo by Pablo Dondero
Within the frame of the European football week, UEFA has sustained our local programming with their avid dedication to including football, but it also offered an incredible platform for our athletes to shine, by inviting Special Olympics to UEFA Fan Festivals in Spain” Portugal And Poland. This recognition brought our movement first in international football and was a great opportunity for Special Olympics football players to present their skills and courage. Needless to say, the excitement was high!
UEFA Europa League 2025 final in Bilbao, Spain
On the occasion of the UEFA Europe League 2025 Final in Bilbao, a group of special Olympic football players had the pleasure of playing a demonstrative game at the fan festival prior to the champion match, but what made the experience really unforgettable, the surprise visit of Voetballegende Aritz Adurizy!
“It is important that Special Olympics is present at large events such as 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 come to us.”
UEFA Women’s Champions League 2025 final in Lisbon, Portugal
Photo by Ricardo Felipe de Silva Moura
A huge football celebration also took place in Lisbon.
Special Olympics Portugal organized a training camp for the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final Festival, where a group of Special Olympics footballers took the time to improve their skills and to strengthen their team spirit for the big competition.
At the fan festival they organized both a traditional and a united football tournament, and two happy women’s football teams had the chance to play a demo match for the crowds. They even brought a cake to celebrate the 25one Birthday of the European football week with our UEFA partners!
“Today I enjoyed playing football and having the tournament with my colleagues from other teams and I think it was very good,” said Rita Lopes, Special Olympics Portgual football player.
“We try to let more teams play with us and it is a virtue for other institutions to have exchanges with us and playing games with us and I think that is very good for us.”
UEFA Conference League in Wrocław, Poland
Photo by Adam Nurkiewicz
To the triad of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Programs at the UEFA Fan Festival, Special Olympics Poland was also invited to play a demo match prior to the UEFA Conference League final in Wrocław, Poland.
The fan festival took place on the main market square of the city, and in the morning before the final of the Conference League, two special Olympics Poland teams launched a fascinating 5-a-side football match with which all spectators come by to encourage our athletes!
Wiktor Redelbach, Special Olympics Poland Footballer shared the excitement of the day with us: “What I thought was the best thing about today was the opportunity to present my skills on the main square of Wrocław.”
“There were bustle of betis and chealsea supporters who sang and dance and they could see us all!”, He continued. “We wanted to show everyone that we can also play football!”.
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