Special Olympics in Nyon

World Games players
Staff from European football's governing body joined the Special Olympics team featuring players from FC Eben Hézer. The two teams produced a hard-fought match, in which the "Reds" overcome the "Blues" 5-2. Following the game, the teams attended a reception at UEFA's House of European Football. They were greeted by UEFA President Michel Platini, and the Special Olympics players left for home with souvenirs offered by the European governing body.

Year-round programme
Special Olympics, founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, is the world's largest year-round programme of sports training and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities. UEFA has been giving significant backing to Special Olympics Europe Eurasia for several years.

Eighth annual week
The eighth annual Special Olympics European Football Week is taking place until 10 May. An estimated 50,000 players with intellectual disabilities are expected to participate in football events in more than 50 countries throughout Europe/Eurasia.

Health and self-esteem
Some 2.5 million athletes in more than 180 countries train and take part in a variety of Olympic-style summer and winter sports at local, national and international events. Through its sports programmes, Special Olympics strives to provide long-term benefits to individuals' health, self-esteem and social integration.

Click here for the Special Olympics website