Football for everyone at the Seven Association tournament
Thursday, September 29, 2022
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Some 250 players with special needs took part in the annual Seven Association tournament organised at UEFA HQ in cooperation with Special Olympics Switzerland.
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Hundreds of teenagers and adults enjoyed a day to remember at UEFA on Sunday, participating in a special tournament for young players with intellectual disabilities.
This inclusion tournament is hosted annually by the Seven Association, with support from Special Olympics Switzerland and under the patronage of Dominique Blanc, president of the Swiss FA and chair of the UEFA Fair Play and Social Responsibility Committee.
Dominique Blanc, president of the Swiss Football Association and chair of the UEFA Fair Play and Social Responsibility Committee
“Football belongs to everyone. It doesn’t differentiate. Football’s all about integration and inclusion. People all over the world – each with their own unique and distinctive character – come together to form teams and play. They play with and against each other. They take delight in a successful dribble, a great cross, and every goal. They celebrate victories together and share the disappointment of defeat. And, at the final whistle, they all shake hands. Football connects and football unites.”
This year’s event brought together 250 players with special needs at Nyon's Colovray sports centre.
The rainy weather didn't discourage the 20 teams, who came from various parts of Switzerland, from playing short but intense matches. The smiles on all of the inspirational players' faces as they headed home put the seal on a day to celebrate for everybody involved.
UEFA
"We warmly applaud the Seven Association team for their contribution to creating an open environment for any individual wanting to play our beautiful game. It's a pleasure to welcome Seven Association and Special Olympics Switzerland to the home of European football. This is also an opportunity for us to support the European Week of Sport at local level, and the important work of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, a UEFA partner since 1998."
Carole Hertig, president of Seven Association
“For us, it’s all about sport, not disability, about valuing and integrating these athletes. This is our 7th edition and we’re amazed each time to see the players’ commitment and determination to give their best.”
“I’ve been coming to the Nyon football tournament since the beginning. It’s a day of celebration for us and an opportunity to meet up with friends. But we’re also here to win and I like scoring goals!”
UEFA's Football For All Abilities policy
UEFA’s goal is to ensure that the football environment is accessible to everyone who wants to take part, providing players of all abilities with a safe and enjoyable environment in which to experience the game.
UEFA's Football For All Abilities policy, one of 11 focus areas in our Football Sustainability Strategy, sets the ambitious target of tripling the number of disabled players across Europe by 2030. To achieve this goal, we are working alongside partners throughout the continent that specialise in a range of sports and focus areas.