International Day of Persons with Disabilities - BayArena lights up purple

The aim of the day of action is to raise awareness of issues relating to disabilities and to promote efforts to improve accessibility in all areas of life. For years, purple has become a universal symbol for people with disabilities. In addition to the BayArena, numerous Bayer AG buildings around the world are also lit up in purple on this day - including the Group headquarters in Leverkusen.

major commitment at Bayer 04

Bayer 04 is committed to equal opportunities and diversity not only on this day, but also on all other 364 days of the year, and has made this one of the main topics in the club's sustainability strategy. For stadium visits in terms of accessibility, a wide range of policies for people with disabilities have been established over many seasons and are constantly being further developed. A few months ago, Bayer 04 was awarded the "Accessibility" seal of approval by the City of Leverkusen for the BayArena and the fan centre.

The club also recently scrutinised the club offices with the help of Bayer AG resources. As one of 120 buildings assessed for accessibility in the workplace as part of the company campaign, potential for improvement has already been identified.

2025 – a big year for the inclusion werkself

In 2010, Bayer AG initiated the "Simply Football" project, which Bayer 04 has been supporting together with other partners ever since. The aim was clear from the outset: to give children and young people with disabilities access to football - regardless of their physical or mental limitations. Over the years, the project has developed into much more than just an exercise programme. What once began with two dedicated coaches and a small training group is now a permanent and proud part of the club's structure.

To do justice to this impressive development, Bayer 04 officially renamed the "Simply Football" project in 2025 after 15 years as the "Inclusion Werkself" after 15 years. This new name is an expression of what the project is today: an integral part of the Werkself family, a visible sign of inclusion in practice and a role model for inclusive sport in Germany and beyond. The Inklusionswerkself is more than just a name - it is a promise. A promise that football is for everyone. And that Bayer 04 will continue on this path together in the future.

In 2025, the Werkself took to the big stage: from 27 July to 2 August, the Genuine World Cup 2025 took place at Rice University in Houston, Texas - an international tournament that celebrated football in its most inclusive and passionate form. Teams from America, Asia, Europe and Oceania competed against each other. The focus was not only on sporting performance, but above all on fairness and team spirit - emphasised by the presentation of fair play awards. More information can be found HERE.