AZERBAIJAN: 28 teams play at Premier League Inter grounds

Special Olympics Azerbaijan organized a highly successful football tournament in Baku at the end of April as part of Special Olympics European Football Week.  From 25-27 April, 300 Special Olympics players from Baku, Absheron, Sumqait, Lenkaran, Sheki competed on the home grounds of Premier League club Inter Baki.  In total, 28 teams participated, including 11 male and female Unified teams and teams composed of Special Olympics players and professional players.  The professional players represented six clubs: Neftchi, Inter, Olympic, Central Sports Club of the Army, Mehdiabad and Sulh.

The tournament was supported by the National Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Azerbaijan Football Federation and Inter.  The Football Federation presented participants with medals, diplomas and balls.

Inter President Georgi Nikolov, the newly appointed Special Olympics football ambassador, said: “Special Olympics players are so eager to learn and play.  Unified Sports adds an exciting dimension to the game.  I am very proud to be an ambassador.”

On 27 April, a coach training session attracted 30 coaches and referees.

Photo: Football Ambassador Georgy Nikolov with two Special Olympics players in Baku. (Photographer:  Krzysztof Krukowski)