SKF India and Special Olympics Bharat Gear Up for the Gothia Cup in Sweden

Khel Today Bureau 

New Delhi: SKF India and Special Olympics Bharat organised a send-off ceremony at the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi for the athletes with intellectual and developmental special needs who are set to participate in the Gothia Cup 7-a-side football tournament. This marks the first time a special Indian contingent will participate in the Gothia Cup, the world’s largest youth football tournament, sponsored by a Swedish company SKF with participation from 80 nations sending 1700 teams to play approximately 4500 matches on 110 pitches.
The 2024 edition of the tournament will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden from July 14th to July 18th, 2024.

The send-off ceremony was graced by Mr Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India, Dr Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat and Chairperson of the Asia Pacific Advisory Council (APAC), and Ranjan Kumar, Director-People Experience, SKF India besides other august audience. The dignitaries inspired the players with their motivational talks and engaged with them personally.

Team along with the coaches and supporting staff will travel to Sweden on Saturday, July 13th.

Earlier this year, SKF India and Special Olympics Bharat organized the traditional ‘Meet the World’ National Football Championship at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Training Centre for Disability Sports in Gwalior, MP, from April 26th to 28th, 2024. The Championship saw enthusiastic participation from 71 players representing 12 states: Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Pondicherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Following 3 rigorous preparatory camps in Gwalior and Delhi, a team of 10 players with with intellectual and developmental special needs, along with three coaches from 6 states (Delhi, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal), was selected.

*Ambassador of Sweden to India Mr Jan Thesleff said*, _”We celebrate the Indo – Sweden relationship and champion inclusivity. We are deeply inspired by the remarkable journey of these athletes, who have overcome reached remarkable heights. Spending time with them and hearing their stories has touched my heart, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Special Olympics Bharat for their tireless efforts in promoting inclusivity through sports. SKF’s support is crucial and serves as a reminder of the important role played by Swedish companies in India. Our best wishes go out to all the athletes participating in the tournament.”_

President, Special Olympics Bharat, Dr Mallika Nadda gave her best wishes to the contingent and said*, _”We are extremely proud and hopeful of our SOB athletes. and their participation in the upcoming Gothia Cup in Sweden. We have seen their determination and abilities, and the constant urge to push their limits. Their talent, skills, and resolution have brought them here and will continue to take them a long way. Participating in the Gothia Cup will be a great milestone for these athletes and it is events like these which will help the global community in recognising and accepting differences and becoming more inclusive. We are thankful to SKF India, for their vision and for giving our athletes this opportunity to participate and bring Inclusion with the mainstream Gothia cup. We wish our SO Bharat footballers all the luck for the tournament.”_

Director-People Experience, SKF India, Ranjan Kumar, added, _”Inclusivity is at the core of our values – Curiosity, Courage, Collaboration, and Care. Supporting Special Olympics Bharat aligns perfectly with our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. It’s a privilege to support these players as they prepare to showcase their skills on an international stage, challenging stereotypes and emphasizing that everyone deserves the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.”_