Already during the 34th and 35th round of LOTTO Ekstraklasa, the “Stadiums Without Barriers” action will be held to encourage people with disabilities to come to the games. The event is part of the “Week Without Barriers” implemented on the occasion of the Day of Fighting Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, which is celebrated on May 5 around the world. The campaign is co-organized by Ekstraklasa S.A., the Polish Union of Footballers, the Federation of Disabled Supporters and Special Olympics Poland.
– Through the “Stadiums Without Barriers” we want to show that Ekstraklasa clubs are open to supporters with disabilities, and at the same time promote regular participation in football meetings among these people. I hope that a number of activities planned for the next round as part of this initiative will help encourage even more people with disabilities to support their favorite teams live from stadium stands. – said Marcin Stefański, Chief Operating Officer of Ekstraklasa S.A.
The campaign includes banners promoting the slogan “Stadiums Without Barriers”, which will be presented during matches of the 34th and 35th round by representatives of the Polish Union of Footballers, the Disabled Supporters Federation and Special Olympics Poland. On wall screens and social media channels of clubs and Ekstraklasa, in turn, video material is to be broadcast with the participation of football players with intellectual disabilities.
Disabled supporters will also participate in escorts leading league teams to the field during matches. In addition, audio description will be prepared at stadiums for visually impaired and blind people. The Ekstraklasa app also has information about facilities for disabled supporters at stadiums at all times, including that regarding access to elevators, ramps for wheelchairs or contact data to persons responsible for these issues in clubs.
“Stadiums Without Barriers” is not the only initiative for disabled people in which Ekstraklasa is involved. The league company is also the patron of the 19th European Football Week Special Olympics. This is the largest event in the world promoting football among people with intellectual disabilities and encouraging them to support footballers.
This year, over 450 sports competitions will be held on the fields in 50 European countries, in which over 45,000 players will participate. Poland will held 17 regional Special Olympics tournaments, which will last until June 16. Across the country, over 1,700 football players with intellectual disabilities take part in the events, as well as nearly 700 coaches and volunteers. Special Olympics Poland players will also participate in the “Stadiums Without Barriers”.
