FIFA Foundation and ISF Empower Children With Disabilities Through All Abilities Event
FIFA Foundation and ISF Empower Children With Disabilities Through All Abilities Event
27th August 2023, Phnom Penh – As a FIFA Foundation Community Programme-supported organisation, ISF Cambodia organised its annual All Abilities Event at ISF Sports Ground in Phnom Penh. The event aimed to provide access to sport for individuals of all abilities and foster inclusivity within Cambodian society.
In total, 268 players, including 82 females, participated in the event. The day-long event was filled with exciting and engaging activities, including football games and various other games catered towards players with different abilities. These activities aimed at promoting social integration, raising awareness, and fostering a sense of inclusiveness among the participants.
The event’s schedule was designed to encompass a wide range of activities suitable for players with different skill levels. It included a warm-up session, fun games, football for social impact activities, small tournaments, and a prize ceremony to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the participants.
One of the primary objectives of this event was to address the issues of diversity and inclusion in both sports and society as a whole. In Cambodia, individuals with disabilities and those affected by HIV often face discrimination and stigma, which hinder their full participation in various aspects of life, including sport.
“I can’t express how grateful I am for ISF’s All Abilities Event. It gave me the chance to play and enjoy football with new friends. This experience makes me feel more confident and positive about myself and my abilities. It’s not just a game; it’s about equality and inclusion.” – Neat*, participant at ISF All Abilities Event.
ISF’s All Abilities Event organised by ISF is part of our Football All Abilities Project, which aims to combat the marginalisation of minority groups by providing sport-for-good initiatives for individuals with disabilities/HIV. The project utilizes football as a tool to break down societal stigmas, raise awareness, and ultimately create a more inclusive society in Cambodia.
Samedy Yin, ISF Football Programme Manager shares: “This event and the whole project finally gives a chance to disadvantaged youth with disabilities to play and enjoy football in a safe space, while increasing their confidence and positiveness about their abilities.”
Through the collaboration between FIFA Foundation and ISF, events like these provide opportunities for individuals of all abilities to engage in sports, enhancing their physical and mental well-being while simultaneously breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity in society.
