FC Bayern will again light up its Allianz Arena in purple for International Day of Persons with Disabilities. On 3 December, the stadium will send out another clear message: inclusion and the self-determined and equal participation of people with disabilities should be a given in today's world.
Herbert Hainer, president of FC Bayern: "Once again this year, FC Bayern would like to use the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to raise awareness of the fact that inclusion is omnipresent and can never be complete. In our society, we still need a much sharper focus on more interaction and more self-determined participation to ensure equal opportunities in all areas of our everyday lives."
Kim Krämer, FC Bayern's disability officer: "FC Bayern is constantly driving forward broad inclusion in close cooperation with its fans, employees and partners in many projects, whereby accessibility is always the focus and a basic requirement. Everyone at FC Bayern is a tangible part of this process. Inclusion has arrived at the club, it works. It is not just about structures, but rather about personal attitudes and behaviour - at FC Bayern and in society. There is still a lot to do, and we are tackling all the challenges together."
Allianz Arena in purple on 3 December
The needs of people with disabilities were already taken into account during the planning of the Allianz Arena. As a completely barrier-free stadium, it is now a global template for inclusion and participation in football. In addition to 227 seats for people in wheelchairs, smartphones with a subtitling service for people with hearing impairments and headphones with commentary for people with visual impairments are available on matchdays for an unrestricted football experience. Outside of matchdays, special tours are also offered for people in wheelchairs and people with limited mobility.
However, inclusion and equal opportunities are not yet a given in all areas of everyday life. In order to raise public awareness of this situation, numerous buildings and landmarks around the world will once again be lit up in purple and lilac on December 3. The aim is to draw attention to the contribution of people with disabilities to society and to stand up for their rights and concerns.
Witness the special illumination with the Allianz Arena webcam:
