Discover a few of the speakers at the 18th EFDN #Morethanfootball Conference

Discover a few of the speakers at the 18th EFDN #Morethanfootball Conference

The European Football for Development Network (EFDN) will host its 18th EFDN Conference from the 14th until the 16th of November 2022 in Budapest, Hungary. The topic of this EFDN Conference will be “Sustainability and Human Rights”, which will take place at the Groupama Arena, the stadium of EFDN Member Ferenvárosi TC.

EFDN Conferences bring a unique opportunity for CSR experts and newcomers into the CSR world to learn from each other and share their insights about topics such as fundraising in CSR, environmental sustainability, anti-discrimination, social inclusion, online safeguarding, physical activity in younger and older population, or STEM education, among others. The format of the conference includes panels, breakout sessions, study visits and roundtables, and offers multiple chances to network and connect with other EFDN members and experts in the CSR in football.

This news article will give you an impression of some more of the knowledgeable and competent speakers in the fields of sustainability and human rights within football who we have contacted to share their expertise with you:

David Evangelista, President and Managing Director, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia , is a confirmed speaker at our 18th EFDN #Morethanfootball Conference in Budapest from the 14th until the 16th of November 2022.

David Evangelista is an international relations and international development professional that is committed to empowering those most on the margins of the global community.  He oversees the growth and development of the Special Olympics movement in 58 nations, and has extensive experience in inclusive development, government relations, sport, and industry engagement.   He serves as a member of the Centre for Sports and Human Rights, serves as a member on the Multilateral Diplomacy Advisory Board of UNITAR, is a member of the Board of Directors of The Access Challenge, and is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow of Lions Clubs International.  An American national, David resides in Vigo, Spain with his wife and two children.  

Mr. Evangelista will be discussing the following in his presentation at the conference: Through Special Olympics Unified Football, the movement is able to showcase how the sport of football serves as a powerful educational tool for the global community- in all sectors.  As part of its commitment to social inclusion, millions of Special Olympics athletes have benefitted from football’s solidarity for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and millions more youth have benefitted from the educational value that stems from the pitch- in schools, in sports clubs, in local neighborhoods across Europe.  From migration to gender equity to reconciliation to social inclusion to universal health access, football continues to serve as the world’s most dominant sports language for in making inclusive development a reality for all.  

André Peeters, Bernard Schütze and Miroslaw Krogulec are all speaking on behalf of the Special Olympics during a breakout session at the 18th EFDN #morethanfootball conference in Budapest from the 14th-16th of November.

André Peeters is the Football Consultant with Special Olympics Europe Eurasia and the chair of the Global Football Committee of Special Olympics International. He graduated as teacher in Physical Education but worked his whole career in a center for people with intellectual disabilities, as a Team Manager. André first started his engagement with the Special Olympics movement in 1985, working voluntarily as chair of the Technical Committee of Special Olympics Belgium. Since 2003 het started working for the Special Olympics Europe Eurasia team as football Consultant/Advisor. Finally he was nominated in 2021 on behalf of Special Olympics international to serve as Global Sport Advisor for Football. Based in Belgium, he makes a contribution as football consultant in several matters of football development and football competitions at European and Global level. 

Bernhard Schütze is the national coach for team sports at Special Olympics Germany, based in
Berlin. He is invested in the development and implementation of inclusive structures in Football, Handball, Basketball, Volleyball, Hockey and Floorball. In close partnership with sports associations throughout the country he supports and consults professional sports clubs to engage in the idea of a more open and inclusive society. Bernie earned a bachelor’s degree in Sport Science and a master’s degree in Sport Psychology. He utilizes his academic emphasis to further awareness regarding sport for athletes with mental disabilities and mental health in sports.

Miroslaw (Mirek) Krogulec is the Senior Director for Sports with Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, supporting the movement throughout 58 nations across Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Miroslaw first started his engagement with the Special Olympics movement in 1996, working as Sports Manager for Special Olympics Poland. He then went on to join the Special Olympics Europe Eurasia team in 2001. Based in Warsaw, he is responsible for the development of the Sports department of Special Olympics across the region and he makes a substantial contribution towards the organisation of successful competitions, particularly the European and World Games.  

The Special Olympics presentation will cover the importance of divisioning at Special Olympics events. The presentation explains the importance of: 

• Encouraging players of all levels to play football 
• All players to experience success and contribute to the success of the team. 
• Organizing successful competitions for all teams