Epress.am News from Armenia
One of out of every 10 people around the world is a person with a disability, and there are more than 650 million people with disabilities worldwide. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed every year on Dec. 3.
According to the UN, this Day aims to promote a better understanding of disability issues with a focus on the rights of persons with disabilities and gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities. The goal of full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society and development was established by the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982.
The final match of the 4th annual “Football for Equal Opportunities” futsal tournament for journalists was played at the Mika stadium in Yerevan yesterday, followed by speeches by sponsors and supports and, of course, the awards ceremony. The finale was planned specifically on Dec. 3, to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Every year, matches are played between teams of journalists working in Armenia to raise awareness that football (or futsal) is for everyone. Note the matches are actually a combination of football and futsal, a variant of football that is played on a smaller playing surface and usually played indoors.
Third place went to Armenpress, with the final game being played between staff at Epress.am and Mediamax news agency. Epress.am took the lead early, with a score of 2-0; however, Mediamax caught up soon enough and scored their first goal in the first half of the match. Beginning from the second half, however, Epress.am scored an additional two goals, turning the score into 4-1, after which victory was apparent. Before the game ended, Epress.am scored another two goals, securing its victory at a final score of 6-1.
During the award ceremony, sponsors and supporters congratulated all teams and thanked everyone for their participation. Though the teams of journalists naturally strive for victory in the tournament, it was apparent that the important point to take away from the tournament was not who won, but that sports are for everyone, regardless of ability or disability.
The “Football for Equal Opportunities” tournament is organized by the organizations Bridge of Hope and Mission East, with the support of the Football Federation of Armenia and sponsored by Coca-Cola and Esting LLC (importer of Nivea skin care products and Ahmad tea in Armenia).