From 8 to 11 August 2024, the 12th International Helvetia Cup - Football for Inclusion took place in the Gründenmoos stadium in St. Gallen, bringing together over 800 young athletes from 11 different nations to play in an atmosphere of sportsmanship, friendship and, above all, inclusion.
The Helvetia Cup was more than just a football tournament; it was once again a powerful platform that allowed us to celebrate the values of community and togetherness through the universal language of football. The diverse group of participants, both with and without disabilities, competed against each other in friendly matches, exciting tournaments and educational training sessions, but with the goal of being for each other. Together, they overcame barriers and set a strong example for inclusion.
Inclusion tournament - Walking Football
After an inspiring opening ceremony, a total of 12 walking football teams, including FC Kantonsrat, LGT Bank AG, TVO-FM1 Power Team, My Sponsor AG and other teams from the public, local clubs, politics, business and sponsors, competed in mixed teams with the Helvetia Cup teams. This resulted in a special and exciting experience for everyone involved.
People with and without disabilities, amputees, men and women, young and old took to the pitches. It was impressive to see how equal opportunities, fairness and acceptance were not just ideals, but were actually practised by all participants.
The walking football tournament not only offered the opportunity to play football, but also to make new friends. Every shot, every pass and every laugh on the pitch testified to the joy that this special sport brings. It didn't matter what physical or mental ability you had - everyone was welcome and could be part of the team.
Everyone certainly won, but there was a 1st place to be awarded, which went to the inclusive walking football team of TVO-FM1 Power Team, Olympique Marseille Amputees and SV Werder Bremen - U17.
3. Special European Cup
Particularly noteworthy was the Special European Cup, in which 15 top international teams for people with disabilities, including Chelsea FC Foundation, SCR Altach Special Needs, 1. FC Köln, Rangers Charity Foundation and FC Appenzell, competed against each other in a fair competition. Each team had the opportunity to prove themselves, while the groups were reshuffled daily based on team strength. The focus was not on winning, but on new interesting encounters, fun and the shared game experience.
U17 Cup
Another highlight of the tournament was the U17 tournament, which brought together teams such as FC St. Gallen 1879, FC Luzern, Paris Saint-Germain, SL Benfica and SV Werder Bremen. FC Kairat Almaty from Kazakhstan, who were taking part in the tournament for the first time, triumphed without conceding a single goal - a remarkable success that epitomised the class and talent of these young players.
For the U17 academy teams, taking part in such an inclusive tournament is a social enrichment for their future and sporting career. The direct contact on the pitch with players with disabilities sensitises the young athletes and promotes the exchange of experiences and perspectives. This valuable encounter not only embodies the sporting spirit, but also the important values such as respect, empathy and team spirit that athletes should represent. It is an opportunity to learn and develop beyond the competition, both as an athlete and as a person.
New addition - Amputee tournament
For the first time in the history of the Helvetia Cup, four Amputee football teams also took part. These special teams included two teams from FK Pokrova from Ukraine, which emerged from our coaching and training programme in Poland, England's Everton FC with its ‘Everton in the Community’ programme and our French guests from Olympique de Marseille.
The Amputee tournament was a real highlight. In the final, FK Pokrova and Everton FC shared the victory - a symbol of fairness, solidarity and mutual respect. It was a touching moment that inspired the spectators and players and emphasised the true values of sport.
Women's friendly tournament
In addition to exciting friendly matches with each other, the young women from KF Dardania were also able to take part in training sessions and inclusive matches with international teams for people with disabilities. These encounters not only promoted sporting exchange, but also diversity in football. KF Dardania's participation thus became a valuable experience that forged friendships and strengthened the social values of sport.
Impact
The impact of the Helvetia Cup extends far beyond the four days of the tournament. The regional community was given the chance to be part of an inclusive experience and experience the exceptional skills of the athletes first-hand. This project has built bridges between people and raised awareness of the importance of inclusion. Participants and spectators not only received valuable sporting impressions, but also important social impulses that will contribute to the creation of a more open and accepting society.
We say THANK YOU!
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all guests, volunteers, participants, teams, supporters and sponsors. Through your commitment, you have helped to connect people across borders and create an inclusive world where everyone feels welcome and can actively participate in society.
Together, we have experienced the true meaning of football - as a sport of inclusion, respect and relentless hope for a better future.
Click here for the highlight video:
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