Madrid (Spain). The football teams that met on 24 September at Puskás Aréna in Budapest to compete in the finals of the UEFA Super Cup (European Union of European Soccer Federations) played with a special ball, printed with the drawings of eighteen children. Among these, were the drawings of three pupils of “Our Lady of the Pillar” School in Madrid, of Mary Help of Christians Province (SPA).
The UEFA Foundation for Children – the Foundation created in 2014 to support humanitarian projects related to children’s rights through the sport of football – launched a competition inviting children to draw what soccer means to them.
Out of a total of 200 drawings received, 18 children from nine European countries: Germany, Spain, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Switzerland – had the joy of contemplating their own drawing printed on this ball of unique design.
In her drawing, Daniela represented the idea of equality:
“The message is that we can all play football and enjoy the sport in the same way, anywhere in the world, whether we are white, black, male or female, or have a disability. We have the right to play without suffering racist insults and without being insulted because we are a girl and we play badly. It takes respect”.
Patricia represented unity, both in victory and in defeat:
“With my design I want to say that football unites everyone equally. We all have to team up to win or to know how to lose”.
Yolanda represented the fun aspect:
“It is friendship that counts and, above all, it helps us to play together. Win and have fun. I like to play soccer, I play with my friends during recess. It is a sport that must be practiced by many and I appreciate everyone’s effort, even if some play better than others”.
Aleksander Čeferin, the UEFA President, who announced the winners of the competition, summed up the experience as follows: “I’m sure the children will be thrilled to see their drawings on the Super Cup ball and to know that the football stars will score the goals with it. It was great to look at all the drawings and hear the children’s stories. I hope that the joy of seeing their own work of art on the ball of such an important match will motivate them not only to play football, but also to follow their dreams”.
Bellissima iniziativa!