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CAFE participated in the 4th European Football Fans’ Congress in Copenhagen

19 July 2011

CAFE recently took part in the 4th European Football Fans’ Congress hosted by Football Supporters Europe in Copenhagen from 1st-3rd July 2011, to help to raise awareness for the issues affecting disabled fans amongst the wider football supporters’ family.

The highlight of FSE Congress and important moment for disabled fans rights was an opening speech by William Gaillard, senior adviser to the UEFA President; he said ‘…… I will give you one example of diversity you should all cherish. So many of your groups represented within FSE involve disabled fans, with their passion and their loyalties, just like other supporters, but they come to you with their specific problems and their advocacy themes. We at UEFA fairly support their struggle, just like we sustain supporters’ trusts or the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination.’

During the main part of the Congress Joyce Cook, CAFE Managing Director (who is also Director of the FSE Disabled Fans Rights’ Division) gave an update on disabled fans rights’. She urged all fans present to show solidarity for their fellow disabled fans by urging clubs continue to make equal access improvements. This was another opportunity to raise disability awareness further. As in previous years, CAFE had a dedicated market stand, which was run by Karolina Zaleska, CAFE’s Administration Manager, where we were able to present information about CAFE, our works and disability awareness amongst the Congress participants.
 

Similarly, CAFE’s Easter European Development Officer, Elena Karpukhina, delivered a presentation as part of the FSE workshop “EURO 2012 - Expect the Unexpected!”. Lena described our preparatory work in Ukraine and Poland for UEFA EURO 2012 and how CAFE will support the FSE Fans Embassies. This presentation received a positive response from the fans gathered during this workshop.
 

We were pleased to represent disabled supporters during this 4th European Football Fans’ Congress.

Karolina Zaleska,

CAFE Administration Manager