UEFA presents cheque to CPISRA

UEFA has presented its annual CHF1m (€604,000) charity cheque for 2007 to the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CPISRA).

Gala presentation
The organisation's president Alan Dickson was presented with the cheque by UEFA President Michel Platini at the UEFA Champions League group stage draw in Monaco. CPISRA, formed in 1978, is an international governing sports body for athletes with cerebral palsy or traumatic brain injury, stroke and related conditions.

Exciting sport
CPISRA has its own version of football, a modified seven-a-side game that has been played by athletes with cerebral palsy for many years. The organisation says "modifications to FIFA rules make it an exciting sport", adding: "Some of the changes include a smaller pitch and goals, there is no offside and players can roll the ball into play instead of taking throw-ins."

All levels
Participants have the opportunity to play in local, regional, national and international competitions. They play with athletes of similar abilities, learn team and individual football skills, have a chance to compete, learn strategy and improve their health. The pinnacle of the CPISRA Football 7-A-Side competition calendar is the Paralympic Games, which take place every four years.

Generous gift
"CPISRA will be using this money to develop CP 7-a-side football within Europe and we will be following the development programme we submitted as our bid to UEFA," the organisation continued. "CPISRA is indebted to UEFA for this most generous gift which we believe will enable us to achieve so much and greatly enhance the opportunities for more people with cerebral palsy to play 'the beautiful game'."

Magnificent gesture
"This is a truly magnificent gesture by UEFA and I would like to express on behalf of everyone connected with CPISRA my thanks to Michel Platini, President of UEFA and all his colleagues," said Mr Dickson. "I am staggered at this gift and delighted that CP football has been recognised in this way. We will ensure we spend this money wisely," added Bob Fisher, chair of the CPISRA 7-a-side football committee.

Click here for the CPISRA website