A summer of football can be thrilling, and with the UEFA European Championships edging ever closer to the final stages, the tension is mounting. The players on the field giving it all for their countries are undoubtedly the stars this summer, but by bringing toys and soccer superstar Iniesta's Football Camp together, Hape have made sure that children get to experience the tournament's magic too.
Spain midfielder Andrés Iniesta, named as both the World Cup 2010 and UEFA EURO 2012 Player of the Tournament, has led the Spanish national team to two European Championship titles and one World Cup crown, and the celebrated player describes his Camp on his website as follows: "Passion for football and joy with the ball are the two only requirements to take part in this experience, something that has been planned and developed for boys and girls aged 6 to 14-years-old who want to improve and develop their skills whilst having an enjoyable experience".
Using sport as a tool for the transmission of values one needs to take part on any team sport, the Camp develops participants behavioural habits and patterns of conduct based on respect, integration, coexistence and friendship.
The Andrés Iniesta Camp lasts for three weeks, running from June 3rd to August 9th. Brands like Nike, Coca-Cola and Hape have happily participated in the Camp, and as the only toy brand involved, Hape has provided 290 DIY toys and 22 bamboo toys, so that the students can experience the joys of creation and interaction as well as developing their football skills.
Life is just like the rounds of a football tournament, and its charms lie not only in wining but in embracing failures and taking part, being grateful for the experience, and living life to the full.
"When I was a teenager, I joined a football club, and at that time we had a saying: ‘One minute after the game is the front of a new game'." Peter Handstein, Founder & CEO of Hape Holding AG often says.
(From left: Pierre Friob, owner of toy store Abitare Kids, Andrés Iniesta, star football player , midfield of Spanish national football team, Peter Handstein, Founder & CEO of Hape, Judit & Cristina Escudé, CEOs of Barrutoys S.L.)
