Foundation
Special Olympics pay visit to BVB
As in previous years, BVB and the club's foundation ''leuchte auf'' were happy to support the annual ''European Football Week'' organised by Special Olympics. A total of 50 participants drawn from various special needs schools and a care association enjoyed a day of unforgettable football training held at the BVB EVONIK football academy.
''European Football Week'' takes place each year and is co-organised by Special Olympics and UEFA. The event consists of a programme of football activities catered to people with learning difficulties. The overall goal of the event is to inspire enthusiasm for sport among the participants and help encourage them to undertake regular sporting activity. At the same time, the organisers hope to help increase societal acceptance of people with learning difficulties.
On a perfect day for football, the various participants from the Dortmund area, both young and old, were put through their paces by members of the BVB coaching staff. The participants were able to experience a variety of different activities, with the emphasis always on enjoyment. The event was rounded off by a visit to neighbouring SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. It wasn't just club mascot EMMA that was keen to get involved; former BVB player and current fan representative Wolfgang "Teddy" de Beer was also present on the day. He took time to answer participants' questions and join them in the activities at the various training stations.
Special Olympics NRW e.V. invited all participants to take part in the training session with BVB. The association is a partner of the BVB foundation. Over the course of the past four Bundesliga seasons, Special Olympics have assisted ''leuchte auf'' in giving children with disabilities the unforgettable experience of being mascots at the club's home matches. Whenever the Black & Yellows run out on to the hallowed turf of SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, the team of mascots that run along side them always includes two children with disabilities.
All information on ''leuchte auf'' can be found at: