Atletico Madrid is striving to set a new attendance record for spectators with disabilities at an upcoming Champions League match, aiming to raise awareness about inclusivity and the necessity for improved access to sports for disabled fans across Europe. The club anticipates that thousands of supporters with disabilities will attend the game against Lille at the Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday, potentially breaking the current record of 1,740 disabled attendees set by Real Betis during a Spanish league match last year.
The initiative, in collaboration with organizations such as AccessibAll, Integrated Dreams, and World Football Summit, seeks to catalyze a movement toward better access for disabled sports fans at venues. Atlético’s Chief Operating Officer, Óscar Mayo, expressed their eagerness to participate, stating, “We are not worried about the record; it’s more about raising awareness and sensitizing society about the enjoyment accessible to all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.”
This match comes shortly after a report from Level Playing Field, an organization advocating for disabled sports fans, highlighted the challenges faced by these fans in away stadiums throughout Europe, including issues regarding wheelchair users being seated next to home team supporters.
One of the first similar initiatives to Atletico’s occurred in Poland back in 2015, when over 1,000 disabled fans attended a local match. However, there has been little progress since then until the Betis initiative nearly a decade later. AccessibAll’s CEO, Olivier Jarosz, emphasized the need to begin a broader movement rather than just aiming for a record. He pointed out the misconception that disabilities only involve wheelchair users, explaining that approximately 7% of individuals with disabilities use wheelchairs, while the majority have non-visible challenges such as visual, mental, or cognitive impairments.
Data from the European Union indicates that in 2023, about 27% of the EU population over 16 years old has some form of disability. Mayo disclosed that Atletico already received inquiries from other European clubs about their initiative, highlighting the growing interest in making sports more inclusive.
“We opted for a UEFA match because it provides greater visibility,” Mayo mentioned, adding that encouraging other teams to join similar initiatives would be a positive outcome. Many clubs have hesitated to act on this issue because they assume there is insufficient interest from disabled fans. However, Atletico’s initiative aims to demonstrate the demand for enhanced services and accessibility.
Germany is recognized as one of the countries most adept at accommodating disabled fans, thanks to its modern stadiums used during the recent European Championships. Jarosz noted that the tradition of club ownership by fans contributes to an environment more responsive to the needs of disabled individuals. Furthermore, France has made notable improvements following the recent hosting of the Olympics and Paralympics in Paris.
“Certainly, progress is evident, but it’s not advancing quickly enough,” remarked Jarosz. He pointed out that governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA are acknowledging the importance of this issue as a part of the population that needs consideration.
To attract disabled fans for Wednesday’s match, Atletico offered tickets at reduced prices and collaborated with fan groups to promote the campaign. Mayo shared that the club has organized an “intensive operation” for the match, featuring reserved parking for disabled supporters and dedicated staff to assist them.
Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium, which has a capacity of 70,000, is known for its modern amenities and full accessibility for disabled fans. Access routes to the stadium in Madrid are also deemed satisfactory. Before the match, there will be activities, including exhibitions of wheelchair soccer and informational stands about various disabilities.
Actors from the acclaimed Spanish film “Campeones,” which promotes the significance of inclusion, along with members of the national blind soccer team, will also be present. Mayo emphasized that initiatives like this are crucial for raising awareness about the importance of considering individuals with disabilities. The Spanish government has also participated through its ministry of inclusion, underscoring the collaborative spirit of this event.