Together, Not Opposed

Initiated by Coca Cola, the third Vienna Inclusion Derby took place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - this time, for the first time, at the Allianz Stadium in Hütteldorf. Under the motto "Together, Not Opposed", mixed teams from SK Rapid and FK Austria Wien competed in the spirit of inclusion. Featuring players from the Special Needs teams, the women’s and girls’ teams and club legends, the event focused on fun and the joy of football. Together, the participants sent a strong message: sport brings people together—regardless of gender, origin, or disability.

The game was played in two halves: 1 x 15 minutes, followed by a short break and then 1 x 20 minutes. About a year ahead of the Special Olympics National Summer Games in Vienna, Team Red faced off against Team White. Rapid legends such as Steffen Hofmann, Jürgen Patocka, and Florian Sturm took part, with Helge Payer watching from the sidelines. Austria Wien was represented by club legend Markus Suttner. SK Rapid women’s players Tabea Aitenbichler and Kristina Decker also joined in, alongside head coach Katja Gürtler. Other notable participants included Cesár Sampson (singer and musician, 3rd place at Eurovision 2018), Clemens Trimmel (former professional tennis player), Andy Onea (Paralympic swimmer and presenter), and Wolfgang "Fifi" Pissecker (comedian and actor). From Coca-Cola, initiator Philipp Bodzenta (Public Affairs & Communications Director Coca-Cola Austria and Vice President Special Olympics Austria) and Country Manager Sonia Dimoglu also took part. The match was officiated by Austria's top referee, Sara Telek. While the final score was secondary, Team White won 4-2. Proceeds from this special event will benefit the Special Needs teams of both clubs as well as Special Olympics Austria, supporting their important work.

“It was a great and very successful event that was a lot of fun. I saw countless smiling faces and am already looking forward to the fourth edition next year. A big thank you goes out to everyone involved and to all who contributed”, said Steffen Hofmann, General Manager of SK Rapid.

Pictures: Coca Cola | Martin Steiger