Crazy about FIFA! Rare Disease Day Event

Crazy about FIFA! Rare Disorders’ Parent-child Football Experience Camp

To arouse the public echo of Rare Disease Day, the last day February, TFRD organized a series of celebrations. On March 10th, “Parent-Child Football Experience Camp”, designed for the patients with rare diseases and families by TFRD, took place at Taipei Nan-Gang Sport Center. The activity attracted nearly 80 participants, the youngest of whom was only 5 years old!

Mikko, a Finland football coach, has a son suffering from rare disease; thus, he not only feels empathy with the plights of patients, but teaches children with Down’s syndrome to play football. In Finland, football is a national sport, so he hopes that every child can have playing it. Mikko selflessly demonstrated ball-handling and shooting skills, and everyone around him was very excited.

The game was conducted by four teams. Under the leadership of Gino, Qiān Yíng Zhāng, Tíng Yang Chén, Royz and Mikko, everyone gave his or her all to pass and score. During thrilling futsal, neither of the teams gave way to each other. At the last minute, the French team scored an excellent goal, receiving a standing ovation. Everybody had a great time.

Ms. Ruth Kuan-Ju Chen, Executive Director of TFRD, said, “Promoting RDD is not the only aim of ‘rare disorders’ parent-child football experience camp. We also expect that we could train physically-disabled children with rare disease for their hand-eye coordination and physical endurance through the games. Most importantly, the parent-child relationship as well as team interaction can be strengthened.”

On the side of the venue, volunteers from the sponsor companies played a passionate cheerleading. We really appreciate their support, which indeed delighted all the patients and made them enjoy this commemorative day.

Translator: William Luo (MPS), Reviewer: Nicky