On May 30, 2024, the official press conference of the International Helvetia Cup - Football for Inclusion 2024 took place at the Hotel Säntispark in St. Gallen. Over 50 guests from politics, sponsors, club representatives, coaches, and media, as well as many volunteers, gathered to participate in the project presentation and the official draw.
The press conference began with a welcome and introduction of the guests by Armin Ospelt, President of the Foundation Board. "I am very pleased as the new President of the Foundation Board and Missionary to see such great interest in our project and it gives me motivation and courage to know that we are on the right path towards a more inclusive society," said Armin Ospelt. After the introduction, a brief review of the 2022 event and a presentation of the project followed, before the news for this year's event from August 8 to 11 were presented.
One of the most notable innovations is the Amputee-Football-Tournament with four international teams, which shows us new ways and provides great benefits to our endeavors to bring more people together.
#Inclusion, #Diversity, and #Equality of Opportunity are again at the forefront during the 2024 event. The project is an important symbol for the significance of community and inclusion. It is a sustainable project that brings people together through the unique power of football, and contributes to the fact that we can only achieve our goals together.
Following the presentation, the official draw for the groups of the International Helvetia U17-Cup and the Special European Cup took place. Our guests had the unique opportunity to actively participate in the official draw and experience the excitement of which matches would be drawn.
Opening match U17 Cup: Friday, August 9, 2024 - 13:30
FC St. Gallen 1879 - FC Kairat Almaty
Opening match Special European Cup: Friday, August 9 - 10:00
FC St. Gallen 1879 Special Needs - FC Winterthur Brühlgut Stiftung
After the press conference, a question round followed for the media, which was accompanied by a joint lunch and an exchange among guests. The anticipation of the project was evident among the guests and participants. "I'm looking forward to an interesting project week with more than 30 international teams, exciting matches, thrilling tournaments, and above all, coming together with all participants to set a sign again for inclusion through sport." - said a volunteer.
We would like to thank all our guests, participants, sponsors, and supporters sincerely for their visit and support.
Reactions to the Press Conference:
Mathias Gabathuler, City Councilor St. Gallen
"St. Gallen, the host city of the project for the second time, is an important part of this initiative. For the city, it is important to be able to keep a project like this in its city, so that the regional population can continue to benefit from the positive effects," emphasized City Councilor Mathias Gabathuler in his speech. The project shows that the city of St. Gallen stands for inclusion and will continue to do so."
Mathias Gabathuler also emphasized that the city supports this social project with all its means. "We recognize the importance of the project for the regional population and the opportunity to bring people from all over the world, particularly children and young people, together through sports."
Urs Schwegler, Head of Sponsoring & Engagement, Helvetia Insurance
"We are delighted to be part of the FIM-Family for years and to support and promote the International Helvetia Cup - Football for Inclusion in St. Gallen for the second time as the naming sponsor. For Helvetia Insurance, supporting this social project at its headquarters is of great importance and a personal concern."
Group photo:
