Scottish Para-Football, the world’s first ever para-football Affiliated National Association, has been recognised at the prestigious World Football Summit (WFS) Awards for its work in making the national game inclusive and accessible to all.
The ANA was presented with the highly coveted ‘Football Without Limits’ award at the WFS Awards in Seville, Spain. The award recognises and celebrates companies, clubs and federations that have provided support to the inclusion and visibility of disabled people in society by means of a pioneering initiative or solution.
The award is the latest accolade to be won by Scottish Para-Football in recognition of its pioneering approach to growing disability football, with the organisation having scooped the UEFA Gold Award for ‘Best Disability Initiative’ in 2022.
Scottish Para-Football was established in 2019 following an investment of £100,000 from the Scottish FA. It brings together nine different organisations governing assorted disciplines of Para-Football under one national umbrella.
The ANA has been internationally revered as exemplar in successfully positioning para-football as a strategic pillar within the governance structure of the national football association.
The nine organisations governed by Scottish Para-Football represent a variety of football disciplines including Amputee Football, Cerebral Palsy Football, Deaf Football, Walking Football, Learning Disability Football, Autism Football, Football Memories, Mental Health Football and Powerchair Football.
The WFS Awards were created in 2017 to acknowledge and reward the achievements of the people and organisations who are making change happen and whose talent, passion, and dedication will help achieve a more inclusive, professional and sustainable football industry.
Scottish Para-Football will now join the WFS Hall of Fame which includes Giuseppe Marotta (Former General Manager of Juventus), Darren Eales (President of Atlanta United), Christian Seifert (DFL), Banco Santander, Atlético Madrid, Coca Cola, Bundesliga and VISA.
Ashley Reid, Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Para-Football: ‘‘We are delighted to be recognised for our work in growing the game of para-football in Scotland and this latest award is testament to the commitment of thousands of volunteers across Scotland.
“Football is everyone’s game and it’s the role of society, the government and our local and national sporting bodies to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to play. Scottish Para-Football will continue to champion the rights of para-footballers for inclusion, equality and access to play the beautiful game.”
Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell: “At the Scottish FA we speak every day about the ‘Power of Football’ as a force that transcends the football field – transmitting throughout the nation and its diverse population and providing a unique platform to positively affect society.
“As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, one of our core goals is to make football as accessible and inclusive to everyone in Scotland as possible, which is why it is heartwarming to see the wonderful work carried out by Scottish Para-Football again recognised with a prestigious award.”
2023-09-26 07:18:57
#Scottish #Parafootball #wins #prestigious #World #Football #Summit #Award
