Within the framework of “European Football Week“, an initiative of the Special Olympics traditionally celebrated every year in May, The Special Olympics of North Macedonia will unite around 100 Athletes, partners, supporters, and football players on one football field.
This year's edition will be held in cooperation with the Agency for Youth and Sports of our State, and is supported by The United Nations Population Fund – UNFPA and the “Lions” club in Macedonia. On Saturday, May 27, 2023, starting from 09:30, at the football field at SUGS “Orce Nikolov“, the Athletes will participate in a series of football activities and a competition where they will play for social inclusion, friendship, and enjoyment in sports as equals, developing understanding for one another.
“European Football Week 2023“ is an initiative of Special Olympics that connects Athletes through the most important side job in the world – football and focuses public attention on the importance of inclusivity – on the field and in everyday life.
“Traditionally, this year we proactively celebrate “European Football Week“. Sports as a whole is a powerful tool through which we can promote inclusivity – on the field and beyond. In this sense, I want to emphasize that this is not just about treatment for people with intellectual disabilities. Inclusivity in sports includes different aspects – with shared play we unite players in one place with various characteristics, abilities, and opportunities, and we encourage them to give their best in a friendly environment, through cooperation and mutual discovery. In this direction, together with the Athletes, we invite you to follow the football training activities and the competition that will be held on Saturday and to contribute to a more inclusive society with your personal example.” – stated Monika Boškoska, President of the Special Olympics of North Macedonia.
As an initiative, “European Football Week” founded by Special Olympics Europe-Eurasia and supported by FIFA, annually unites a large number of football players and coaches with and without intellectual disabilities who, through the concept of “Unified Sports” contribute to increasing inclusivity. Over the past 23 years, as part of this event, more than 7,600 local, national, and international events and activities have been organized, in which national football federations and clubs are involved through support or direct participation. This year, more than 35,000 women and male athletes with and without intellectual disabilities are expected to participate in 350 events spread across 45 countries in Europe and Eurasia.
Every year continuously, following the example of a large number of clubs and football players - from the Italian Serie A and Serie B, the German Bundesliga, or the Polish Ekstraklasa, support for “European Football Week” is also given by athletes from our State.
