UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour in Romania

Special Olympics athletes in Romania were thrilled to be part of the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour recently.  The tour, sponsored by UniCredit, made its way through several countries in Europe. During each stop, football fans could get close to European club football's most glittering prize.

In Romania, Special Olympics athletes and famous Romanian players participated together in festivals in Arad (September 28), Timisoara and Sibiu (September 29), Brasov (September 30), Pitesti (October 1), and Bucharest (October 2-4).

Romanian fans, including Special Olympics athletes, reveled in the memories of FC Steaua Bucureşti winning the European Champion Clubs' Cup in 1986.  A national hero of that footballing achievement, goalkeeper Helmuth Duckadam, is ambassador for the Romanian leg.  Special Olympics athletes stood next to Duckadam throughout the Romanian leg in admiration and sharing a love of the beautiful game. 

Photo:  Two Special Olympics athletes stand by Emeric Jenei, former Romanian national team coach (in clear jacket), as Romanian legend Helmuth Duckadam signs a football for them and Cristian Ispas, Special Olympics Romania national director looks on.  (Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Romania)