The UEFA Foundation for Children was pleased to invite eight children and four accompanying adults from the Air pur & soleil organisation to the great annual celebration of football that is the UEFA Champions League final. Air pur & soleil (Fresh Air & Sun) is a children’s organisation based in Haute-Savoie that provides breaks for children who are going through a very difficult time in their lives. They are generally experiencing family breakdown or have dropped out of school or other institutions. The organisation enables them to get away from their usual surroundings for a while by giving them a calming environment and a break between a problematic past and perhaps a fresh start.
Two other young people, who are supported by the Swiss-based Étoile filante (Shooting Star) foundation, could also have their dream come true as they too attend the UEFA Champions League final. The foundation’s primary aim is to bring joy and fun to children and young people up to the age of 18 who are seriously ill, injured or disabled.