Objectives

The project aimed to:

• promote equal opportunities and wider participation in sport for people with disabilities and special needs;

• develop and evaluate evidence-based approaches to inclusive physical activity;

• strengthen cooperation between universities, sport organisations and disability associations;

• promote the exchange of knowledge and good practices to support more inclusive sport environments.

Activities

The partnership developed and tested inclusive sport programmes involving participants with intellectual and physical disabilities. The intervention included adapted activities such as athletics, basketball, swimming and dance, delivered over a six-month period. Behavioural and physiological outcomes were monitored to evaluate the impact of regular physical activity. 

CUS Padova contributed to both the scientific and practical implementation of the project. Together with the academic partners, it supported the development of research tools and the evaluation of the intervention. At local level, CUS Padova coordinated the Italian pilot in collaboration with Il Graticolato Social Cooperative, delivering the programme and promoting cooperation between the university, the local sport system and organisations working in the field of disability. 

Alongside the practical activities, the partnership developed guidelines, educational resources and good practices to support inclusive participation in sport and physical activity across Europe. 

Impact

The project demonstrated the positive effects of inclusive sport programmes on participants's wellbeing and quality of life, while strengthening cooperation between organisations working in the fields of sport, education and disability. ESFA also contributed to raising awareness of the importance of accessible sport opportunities and of the role sport can play in promoting inclusion and active participation in society. 

Partnership

 

• University of Patras, Greece (Coordinator)

• University of Shumen, Bulgaria

• Rijeka Sports Association for Persons with Disabilities, Croatia

• CUS Padova, Italy

• University “Gabriele d'Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Italy

• HEAT – Health Exercise and Activity Therapy, United Kingdom

• Association of Disabled Persons HALCYON, Greece

• UCAM – Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Spain

• CUS Palermo, Italy

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