Exclusive FIFA 22 SpecialEffect kit launches at Oxford United
Monday, April 11th, 2022
Electronic Arts are supporting SpecialEffect by featuring an exclusive FUT kit in FIFA 22. The kit features in-game for a week from Monday 11 April at 6PM BST, as a reward for a weekly objective in FUT 22.
Peter Moore, SpecialEffect Vice President, said “As a proud SpecialEffect Vice President it’s wonderful to see the charity featured within FIFA 22. It shines a bright light on the great work that Dr Mick and the team carry out to help gamers with disabilities across the world . I first got involved with the charity after seeing a story of how they helped a fellow Liverpool fan game again and know the reaction to the shirt will be huge, raising awareness of their important mission of bringing gaming to all.”
Dr Mick Donegan, SpecialEffect Founder and CEO, said “We’re immensely grateful to EA for this wonderful gesture. For many years they’ve been major supporters of our work in levelling the playing field for people with physical disabilities, and the increase in global awareness of our work that the kit will bring is very much appreciated. When I started the charity fifteen years ago, I could never have dreamed that we’d be honoured in this way through the most popular game series ever.”
“SpecialEffect plays a critical role in making gaming accessible to everyone,” said David Jackson, VP of Brand, EA SPORTS FIFA. “This is something EA too feels very passionate about, as we inspire the world to play. FIFA 22 is proud to support the incredible work of SpecialEffect as they break down barriers for players living with physical disabilities and make video gaming truly inclusive.”
Oxford United host launch event
The kit was launched at SpecialEffect’s local professional club Oxford United on Monday 11 April with guests including beneficiaries of the charity and an appearance of the Premiership Trophy by kind arrangement with EA. Players from the club were able to try out SpecialEffect’s assistive gaming technology and talk to charity staff.
“It’s been wonderful to meet everyone and help launch the kit” Oxford United Manager Karl Robinson said. “Being able to play games online against their friends is a massive thing for so many youngsters and the work that SpecialEffect do is really special. I think the football club is becoming closer to the heart of the Oxfordshire community all the time and days like this where the kit will be seen around the world, really help spread the word about the amazing people we work alongside”
SpecialEffect would like to thank Electronic Arts and Oxford United for their wonderful generosity in enabling a day to remember for the charity and all their guests.
Below: Charlotte, mother of SpecialEffect beneficiary Samuel, talks to Oxford United’s Chris Williams about the impact that the charity has had on her son’s quality of life.