FC Barcelona to Celebrate 125th Anniversary with Inclusive Event

Next Wednesday, September 25th, the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys will host an important La Liga match where FC Barcelona faces Getafe. This match is set to feature a special celebration marking FC Barcelona’s 125th anniversary. It coincides with the International Week of the Deaf and International Sign Language Day on September 23rd.

Before the kick-off, there will be significant events highlighting the club’s dedication to inclusivity. Deaf children, who are members of the club, and members from the Catalan Association of Families and People with Deafness (ACAPPS) will accompany players onto the field.

In addition, a choir of signers comprised of members from the Barcelona Deaf Cultural and Recreational Centre (CERECUSOR) and the Barça Deaf Supporters’ Club, part of the Federation of Deaf People of Catalonia (FESOCA), will perform the Barça Anthem in sign language. This initiative marks the 50th anniversary of the Barça Anthem being celebrated in sign language.

FC Barcelona’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department, along with the Barça Innovation Hub, has spearheaded this initiative. The campaign includes a series of videos featuring players from both men’s and women’s teams such as Jules Koundé, Marc Casadó, Sergi Domínguez, Jana Fernández, Marta Torrejón, and Ona Batlle. The players encourage fans to follow the lyrics displayed on stadium screens and join in singing the anthem, while also making the sign for Barça by raising their hands.

Visualfy, a partner start-up, has collaborated extensively in this initiative with FC Barcelona. The DEI department’s efforts are part of a broader agreement with ACAPPS, aimed at advocating for the rights of deaf individuals who communicate orally, ensuring their full participation in various domains of life.

Other initiatives by FC Barcelona’s DEI department include enhancing accessibility at the future Spotify Camp Nou, providing new ticket purchasing services for wheelchair users, and digital accessibility training for staff. The club has also introduced Quiet Hours at the Barça Immersive Tour and Barça Store at Spotify Camp Nou, and inclusive mannequins in stores.

Visualfy, established in 2017, delivers solutions for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in different environments. The company has received recognition from the United Nations and accolades from the World Tourism Organization for its innovative solutions, which are patented in over 40 countries.