Flagbearers for the FIFA World Cup™
Coca‑Cola selects Special Olympics footballers to represent England at the FIFA World Cup™
Coca‑Cola, official partner of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and long term partner of Special Olympics, is giving six youngsters from Special Olympics Unified Football® the once in a lifetime chance to bear the national flag during a FIFA World Cup™ match.
Using sport to encourage and empower those with learning disabilities, Coca‑Cola is offering selected boys from the Unified Football® programme the chance to line up with the England players in the tunnel before their match against Algeria. They will then lead the team out on to the pitch as flagbearers.
What is Unified Football?
- Unified Football is a unique Special Olympics programme where players with and without learning disabilities practise and play together on 7-a-side football teams
- The teams are made up of athletes (learning disabled players) and Unified Partners
- Mixed teams provide the public with direct opportunities to experience first hand the capabilities and courage of Special Olympics athletes
- By having fun on the football pitch, Unified Football® athletes and partners improve their physical fitness, sharpen their skills, challenge the competition and help to overcome prejudices about learning disabilities
According to Liz Lowe, Citizenship Manager at Coca‑Cola Great Britain: "Football really does bring people together from all walks of life - and these boys who play Special Olympics Unified Football® are great ambassadors for the power of sport."
Karen Wallin, CEO Special Olympics Great Britain said: "What an extraordinary opportunity for our athletes not only to become spokespersons for the country but ambassadors for people with learning disabilities all over the world. This is an incredible experience they can cherish for the rest of their lives."
Alec Barry - 16 years old, from RichmondHow do you feel about going to South Africa?
I was really excited when I found out, but I was a bit shocked!
Position?
Centre mid field. Doesn't take all the glory, does all the hard work.
Favourite footballer?
Gareth Barry.
George Holt - 15 years old, from Runcorn
How do you feel about going to South Africa?
Amazing! I was just bouncing around when I heard.
Position?
Defender. I've tried up front but I'm rubbish!
Favourite footballer?
Rooney. Just shaking his hand would be amazing.
Kyle Booth - 14 years old, from Widnes
How do you feel about going to South Africa?
Shocked - I thought 'it's not me, they've got the wrong person!'.
Position?
Defence.
Favourite footballer?
Gerrard.
Daniel Lenehan - 15 years old, from Widnes
How do you feel about going to South Africa?
I can't wait to walk out in front of all the crowds and the players.
Will you be nervous?
No it will be boss and to walk out on to the pitch to hold the England flag is a dream come true!
Favourite footballer?
Gerrard.
Joshua Appleton - 12 years old, from WidnesHow do you feel about going to South Africa?
Well I'm a little bit nervous, and a little bit excited at the same time.
Position?
I'm normally in defence but I like being on the wings because I'm a fast runner.
Favourite footballer?
Gerrard.
Keven Shard - 12 years old, from RuncornHow do you feel about going to South Africa?
Fantastic! Nothing really better you can do.
Favourite footballer?
Steven Gerrard.
What would be the best thing to happen in South Africa?
Just to actually meet Gerrard and talk to him.
