Spanish football club Atlético Madrid has joined forces with UCB to raise awareness of epilepsy in Spain and reduce the stigma association with the condition.
The team released a video in support of the pharmaceutical company’s ongoing school-based initiative – ‘Getting to know epilepsy makes us equal’.
In the short clip, shown before and during a game at the club’s stadium, team member Yannick Carrasco plays football with a small group of children – some of whom have epilepsy.
In support of UCB’s message that epilepsy diagnosis does not impede everyday life, Carrasco says: “A child with epilepsy can lead a normal life, just like any kid. Including any sport.”
Now in its sixth year, the awareness campaign targets teachers and students to reduce epilepsy-related stigma by promoting increased discussion and teaching how to handle seizures.
UCB hopes to promote the benefits of sport for people living with epilepsy, with Carrasco adding that “playing sports as a child or teenager improves their physical and mental health”.
An estimated 65 million people around the globe have been diagnosed with epilepsy, including six million people in Europe.
While the disease can occur at any age, around half of the 20,000 new cases diagnosed in Spain last year were among children and adolescents.