Within the framework of SOCAR's "Social Care Program", a football event was organized for children with Down syndrome with the initiative of the company and the organizational support of the "Sumgayit" Football Club. As part of the event held before the match between the "Sumgayit" and "Neftchi" football clubs within the XXXII round of the Azerbaijan Premier League, a friendly match was held between children with Down syndrome with the participation of players from the "Sumgayit" and "Neftchi" clubs sponsored by SOCAR.
Football players of both teams entered the field before the game with the inscription "We are not different, we are special!". Also, in the friendly game and at the start of the match, the children accompanying the football players entered the field in uniforms reflecting the aforementioned slogan. Then, gifts were presented to the participating children by the sponsors of both clubs, as well as partners and organizers.
Football players of "Sumgayit" and "Neftchi" clubs entered the game accompanied by children who were participants of the event. Children, together with their parents, watched the match between "Sumgayit" and "Neftchi" football clubs.
The project aims to create a motivational environment for children with Down syndrome, as well as to support the improvement of their psychological well-being, increase their self-confidence, and promote inclusive values in society.
It should be noted that people with Down syndrome, including children, are fully covered by state care in our country, and issues related to the protection of their rights, rehabilitation, development of skills and habits are always in the spotlight. The Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Down Syndrome, built on the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, has been operating since 2013.