The Inclusive Football Festival will take place in Kyiv.

The Inclusive Football Festival 'Football for All' will start in Kyiv at the artificial fields of the NTK named after Viktor Bannikov at 10:00 on Saturday, May 3. It is organized by the Ukrainian Football Association along with the Ukrainian Association of Disabled Football Players and other sports and community organizations working to engage people with various conditions in football. The festival aims to promote equal access to sports for all people, including the disabled, and emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation through physical activity. The event will include training sessions and friendly matches for players with various disabilities, such as amputated limbs, hearing impairments, mental or intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and diabetes.

Why it matters

In a situation where Ukraine is experiencing war and facing great challenges, sports play an important role not only in rehabilitation but also in support, harmony, and personal growth. Inclusive football offers new opportunities for thousands of people who typically lack access to traditional sporting environments. This festival is an example of how, through partnership, social responsibility, and a systematic approach, we can create conditions for a full sporting life for everyone. The UAF aims to show that there is support for one another despite the war and destruction.

Additional context:

In Ukraine, about three million people have disabilities and often face difficulties in finding sports activities that meet their needs. The Inclusive Football Festival 'Football for All' is an important step in the development of inclusive sports in Ukraine. It allows people with disabilities to access an active lifestyle and engage in sports, which is crucial for their physical and mental well-being. Moreover, the festival helps to popularize the inclusive approach to sports and shows how children and adults with various limitations can play football and enjoy its benefits together.