The message of Total Football Total Access has spread all the way to Brazil, with activities taking place at Vasco da Gama to celebrate the CAFE Week of Action 2016.

Prior to Vasco da Gama's recent Carioca 1 match against Volta Redonda, 4 partially sighted and blind athletes carried a CAFE Week of Action banner around the pitch to promote the wider inclusion of disabled people within the world's most popular game.

The activities took place with the support of Urece - CAFE's partner in Brazil. CAFE and Urece have previously worked together in introducing audio-descriptive commentary to Brazilian football stadiums at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Vasco da Gama are one of Brazil's most famous clubs, and have been national champions on four occasions. Legends of the game including Romario, Vavá, Tostão and Bebeto have all played for the club during their careers, as well as Brazilian FIFA World Cup winning captain and current national team coach Dunga.

Urece's Mauana Simas said, "It was the first time that we did a campaign together with a club, and Vasco da Gama was very supportive and welcoming. The athletes were really happy and excited about walking around the field and getting to know more about the stadium they very often go".

Mauana added, "We are looking forward organising other campaigns and actions with other clubs and stadiums, to spread the message of Total Football Total Access in Brazil".

Published 04/04/2016