The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) the governing body for 53 European football responsible to its members for the governing of the sport of football in accordance with its constitution, statutes and technical rules and for the sanctioning and staging of certain football matches, represents the national football associations of Europe. Special Olympics Europe Eurasia (SOEE) has a long-standing partnership (since 1998), with aim to promotes football for players with intellectual disabilitiesThe Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) the governing body for 53 European football responsible to its members for the governing of the sport of football in accordance with its constitution, statutes and technical rules and for the sanctioning and staging of certain football matches, represents the national football associations of Europe.
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia (SOEE) has a long-standing partnership (since 1998), with aim to promotes football for players with intellectual disabilities.
Since 1999, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, in partnership with UEFA under Football Social Responsibility Program—UEFA We Care and UEFA Respect, has achieved significant progress towards expansion of football opportunities for people with intellectual disability in all European Programs/countries: Expanded numbers from 30,000 to 130,000 participants; started SO Football in East and South East Europe; established network of Nat’l Football Coordinators and Ambassadors; Bi-annual European conferences; Annual Special Olympics European Football Week with 40,000 participants (400 events in 45 countries each year); organized 30 European-level football competitions for 7000 participants; production of 6 training and coaches education films; distribution of over 300 grants to 50 countries; launched Unified Football initiative in 30 European countries, with major focus on Youth Unified Football and Inclusion through football for 20,000 participants; Showcases at UEFA-EURO’s and UEFA Club Finals.