Lower Ability Athletes in the Spotlight in PORTUGAL

Over 200 footballers with intellectual disabilities from 21 countries took part in the first ever Special Olympics European 7-a-Side Football Tournament dedicated to low ability level teams.  The event, hosted by Special Olympics Portugal, took place from 7 May to 10 May.
 
Government ministries, embassies, sports federations, National Olympic Committee were in attendance to see the Flame of Hope make its entry at the Leões de Porto Salvo pavilion for Opening Ceremony on 7 May.  The Flame was carried by a group of over one hundred runners led by Rosa Mota, Olympic Marathon Champion, along with police officers, Special Olympics athletes and youth from schools and institutions. 

The tournament was a highlight of the long term Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia Football Development Project supported by UEFA We Care (www.uefa.com).  UEFA expressed its continued support, and Patrick Gasser, UEFA Senior Manager of Football and Social Responsibility, attended.

During the event, coaches from Tottenham Hotspur Foundation Special Olympics Europe / Eurasia “Official  Grassroots Football Provider”,  and coaches from Belgium conducted a series of football clinics to teach teams learnt new football skills on 8-9 May.  “It was most surprising to see immediately the results of each session, when players tried to use the new moves they had learnt in their following games. It’s really satisfying to see that our coaches can have such an impact.” said James Issac, Disability Inclusion Manager of Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.

“Winning, participation and team play is important during the games. Joy and friendship had the same importance as winning!” said Andre Peeters, Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia Football Advisor. During their stay, various attractions were on offer.  Amongst others, a FAN Zone of grassy area near the fields, hippotherapy sessions and riding lessons for beginners were amongst the activities provided. Teams had the opportunity to meet Football Legend Eusebio and to watch a football game of Sporting Lisbon.


More info on the following websites:
http://www.specialolympicsportugal.pt/
http://www.specialolympics-lisbon09.org/

Photo: José Eugénio Dias Ferreira, SO Portugal President and André Peeters, SOEE Football Advisor, awarding the Special Olympics Sweden team. (photographer: Raul Reis)