Special Olympics players visit UEFA

Nyon match
Players from FC Sporting Eben-Hézer, based in the Swiss city of Lausanne, came to UEFA headquarters in nearby Nyon to play a match with UEFA staff and visit the House of European Football as part of the Special Olympics Football Week throughout Europe. Following last night's game, the visitors were able to admire many of the European trophies that are on display.

Dream come true
The visiting team represented the Fondation Eben-Hézer, which has three residences in the Swiss canton of Vaud catering for some 400 mentally handicapped adults and children, as well as running a residence for the elderly. "The players have been waiting for this for a long time, it's a dream come true for them to come and see UEFA, because they all love football," said coach Antonio Valenzuela. To visit the foundation's site, click here.

Chosen charity
"UEFA's involvement started with the donation of a one-off cheque in Monaco in 1998, and I'm pleased to say that UEFA was so impressed with the way the money was managed that we were adopted as one of their chosen charities," said Beverly Hill, consultant for Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia (SOEE). In November, UEFA presented SOEE with a cheque for €322,000 to promote its football development programme.

Vital UEFA backing
"Without the support of UEFA, we would not have had the endorsements we have received from the various football associations and other sports bodies. It has really helped to launch football for the mentally handicapped in Europe."