Zenit Football Club support World Autism Awareness Day

The twelfth annual World Autism Awareness Day is 2 April 2019 and we will light up the facade of the Gazprom Arena and the background of the club’s official website will both change to blue, the colour of Autism Speaks, an autism awareness organisation. 

The aim of this movement is to draw public attention to the problems people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face on a daily basis and to support organisations that help people with autism and to educate society. 

We are also pleased to announce that at our next home game in the 23rd round of the RPL against Anzhi Makhachkala on 14 April, fans from the Anton is Near Centre will take to the pitch with the Zenit players wearing t-shirts in support of World Autism Awareness Day.

Anton is Near is the first Russian centre for social rehabilitation, training and creativity for adults with autism as well as for children and teenagers. It was set-up in 2013 by Lyubov Arkus, the famous Russian film director. This wonderful organisation run 15 programs include creative workshops, employment opportunities, assisted living accommodation and programmes for teenagers and children.

The Naked Heart Foundation care for families and children with autism and other special needs. They provide free assistance services, educational schemes and raise the level of knowledge around autism and other conditions. The main goal of the foundation is to build an inclusive and open society for people with special needs. 

World Autism Awareness Day will bring together the international community, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities around the world, light blue in recognition of people living with autism. Autism-friendly events and educational activities take place all month to increase understanding and acceptance and foster worldwide support and Zenit are proud to be part of this.