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In an exciting collaboration, AccessibAll has partnered with Atletico Madrid, the World Football Summit (WFS), and Integrated Dreams to attempt to break the world record for the highest number of disabled fans attending a football match. 

This historic milestone is set for 23 October 2024, during Atletico Madrid’s UEFA Champions League game against French side LOSC Lille.

The initiative, supported by Elma Saiz, Spain’s Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, aims to further enhance inclusivity in football, making it easier for disabled fans to experience the joy of attending live matches.

The official announcement took place on 19 September at the World Football Summit in Seville, highlighting the collaboration between AccessibAll, WFS, Integrated Dreams, and Atlético de Madrid.

The record-breaking initiative is part of a larger movement to improve accessibility in football. After successful milestones in Śląsk Wrocław and Real Betis Balompié, AccessibAll in conjunction with Atlético Madrid and key partners, is once again pushing the boundaries of inclusivity. The partnership with Integrated Dreams, a visionary organisation committed to breaking down barriers for disabled individuals in sports, is key to making this record-breaking attempt a reality. Their pioneering approach has helped shape the future of accessible football.

Likewise, the World Football Summit has provided an essential platform for global discussions around accessibility and inclusivity, empowering organisations like AccessibAll and Integrated Dreams to take bold steps forward.

AccessibAll would also like to commend Atletico Madrid for their leadership in promoting inclusivity. Their commitment to creating an accessible experience for all fans, along with their willingness to set new standards in stadium accessibility, has made this collaboration possible.

"It is both an honour and a great responsibility to organise the inclusive match at the Civitas Metropolitano, which has been overseen by the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, Ms. Saiz. We are immensely grateful that you thought of us to host this event promoting inclusion in the world of football for disabled fans, and we are committed to making every effort as a club to ensure it is a success".
- Enrique Cerezo, Atletico de Madrid President

Speaking ahead of the AccessibAll International Summit in Civitas Metropolitano in Madrid on 13-14 November, Olivier Jarosz, the CEO of AccessibAll, expressed the importance of the partnership with Integrated Dreams and the WFS. Olivier said, "Ahead of the AccessibAll International Summit in Madrid, and while in talks with World Football Summit and Integrated Dreams, we felt we need to be ambitious on behalf of disabled community. After records in Wrocław, hosts of this season's UEFA Conference League Final, and the inclusive match at Real Betis last year, it is time to set our sights on new horizons. We are thrilled to partner with Atlético de Madrid in this pioneering initiative to break the world record for disabled fans at a UEFA Champions League game."

This record-breaking event is just the beginning. As we look toward 23 October, this collaboration between AccessibAll, Atletico Madrid, Integrated Dreams, and WFS promises not just to break records but to set a new global standard in accessibility.

Stay tuned for updates from Atletico de Madrid and the World Football Summit!


Published 19/9/2024