To mark the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” on 3 December, we invite you to learn more about disabilities and sport through the Inclusion and Disabilities in and through Sport - IDI4Sport project

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote an understanding of disability and mobilize support for dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. To mark this day, the partners of the “Inclusion and Disabilities in and through Sport” project are proud to highlight its achievements since its beginning in January 2023.

The project, which takes place in six European countries—Denmark, France, Greece, North Macedonia, Portugal, and Spain—has made significant strides in identifying and promoting inclusive sport policies and practices. In 2024, the project’s partners have trained teachers and sport coaches in the best inclusive sports practices, using the tools created by the project such as a comprehensive database and a tailored training program. During the experimentation phase, 85 teachers from 32 schools and sports clubs across Europe introduced their students to inclusive sports such as sitting volleyball, goalball, and boccia. These activities proved to be immensely popular, boosting participants' self-confidence and self-esteem, regardless of their abilities.

• Immerse yourself in the highlights of the project with this video full of inspiring testimonials and inclusive sports demonstrations.

To bring the experimentation phase to a close, on July 30^th 2024, the IDI4Sport consortium met at the headquarters of France Education international in France for its third official gathering. During a public forum titled "How Can We Be Active Together in Europe?", more than 50 attendees, including teachers, inclusion professionals, and civil society representatives, shared their insights. While challenges like inaccessible infrastructure, lack of training, and insufficient funding remain, the discussions underscored that, with proper support, inclusive and affordable sports activities can be seamlessly integrated into schools across Europe. In the afternoon, participants engaged in interactive sessions organized by the Novosports association at Paris-Nanterre University, experiencing inclusive sports such as baskIn (inclusive basketball), rafroball (inclusive handball), cross-boccia (inclusive pétanque) and pickleball (inclusive badminton)—where people with and without disabilities played together.

• You can explore the roundtable discussions on the FEI YouTube channel!

This powerful experience has reinforced the call for more initiatives that train teachers and sports instructors, fostering cooperation, understanding, and shared joy through sport. In this sense, similar events are planned across all participating countries. As a major milestone of the project, the initiative will culminate in a final conference in Skopje, North Macedonia, in October 2025, to ensure the message of inclusive sport reaches as far as possible!

Join us in championing inclusion through sport, one game at a time!