From the 8 to 11 August 2024 took place in St. Gallen in the Gründenmoos stadium. 12th International Helvetia Cup - Football for inclusion It brought together over 800 young athletes from 11 different nations to play in an atmosphere of sportsmanship, friendship and, above all, inclusion.
The Helvetia Cup was more than just a football tournament; it was once again a powerful platform that allowed us to celebrate the values of community and togetherness through the universal language of football. The diverse group of participants, both with and without disabilities, competed against each other in friendly matches, exciting tournaments and educational training sessions, but with the goal of being for each other. Together, they overcame barriers and set a strong example for inclusion.
Inclusion tournament - walking football
After an inspiring opening ceremony, a total of 12 walking football teams, including the FC Cantonal Councilwhich LGT Bank Ltd.that TVO-FM1 Power Teamwhich My Sponsor AG and other teams from the general public, local clubs, politics, business and sponsors, to play in mixed teams with the Helvetia Cup teams. This resulted in a special and exciting experience for everyone involved.
People with and without disabilities, amputees, women and men, young and old took to the courts. It was impressive to see how equal opportunities, fairness and acceptance were not just ideals, but were actually practised by all participants.
The walking football tournament not only offered the opportunity to play football, but also to make new friends. Every shot, every pass and every laugh on the pitch testified to the joy that this special sport brings. It didn't matter what physical or mental ability you had - everyone was welcome here and could be part of the team.
Everyone certainly won, but there was a 1st place to be awarded, which went to the inclusive walking football team from TVO-FM1 Power Team, Olympique Marseille Amputees and SV Werder Bremen - U17.
3rd Special European Cup
Particularly noteworthy was the Special European Cupwhich is attended by 15 top international teams for people with disabilities, including the Chelsea FC Foundationwhich SCR Altach Special Needsthe 1st FC Colognewhich Rangers Charity Foundation and the FC AppenzellThe teams competed for each other in a fair competition. Each team had the opportunity to prove itself, while the groups were reshuffled daily based on team strength. The focus was not on winning, but on new and interesting encounters, having fun and enjoying the game together.
U17 Cup
Another highlight of the tournament was the U17 tournamentteams like the FC St. Gallen 1879, FC Lucerne, Paris Saint-Germain, SL Benfica and SV Werder Bremen gathered. The FC Kairat Almaty from Kazakhstan, who were taking part in the tournament for the first time, triumphed without conceding a single goal - a remarkable success that epitomised the class and talent of these young players.
For the U17 academy teams, participating in such an inclusive tournament is a social enrichment for their future and sporting career. The direct contact on the pitch with players with disabilities sensitises the young athletes and promotes the exchange of experiences and perspectives. This valuable encounter not only embodies the sporting spirit, but also the important values such as respect, empathy and team spirit that athletes should represent. It is an opportunity to learn and develop beyond the competition, both as an athlete and as a person.
Novelty - Amputee Tournament
For the first time in the history of the Helvetia Cup, four Amputee football teams took part. These special teams included two teams from the FK Pokrova from Ukraine, who emerged from our coaching and training programme in Poland, the English Everton FC with its programme "Everton in the Community" and our French guests from the Olympique de Marseille.
The Amputee tournament was a real highlight. In the final, FK Pokrova and Everton FC shared the victory - a symbol of fairness, solidarity and mutual respect. It was a touching moment that inspired the spectators and players and brought the true values of sport to the fore.
Women's friendship tournament
In addition to exciting friendly matches with each other, the young women from KF Dardania also took part in training sessions and inclusive matches with international teams for people with disabilities. These encounters not only promoted sporting exchange, but also diversity in football. KF Dardania's participation thus became a valuable experience that forged friendships and strengthened the social values of sport.
Impact:
The impact of the Helvetia Cup extends far beyond the four days of the tournament. The regional community was given the chance to be part of an inclusive experience and experience the exceptional skills of the athletes first-hand. This project has built bridges between people and raised awareness of the importance of inclusion. Participants and spectators not only gained valuable sporting impressions, but also important social impulses that will contribute to the creation of a more open and accepting society.
We say THANK YOU!
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all guests, volunteers, participants, teams, supporters and sponsors. Through your commitment, you have helped to connect people across borders and create an inclusive world in which everyone feels welcome and can actively participate in society.
Together, we experienced the true meaning of football - as a sport of inclusion, respect and tireless hope for a better future.
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