Български
BeActiveTogether
BSDA took part in the ‘Sports of the Future’ event in EP
06.03.2025
On 6th of March in Brussels, Belgium, the European Parliament hosted the ‘Sports of the Future’ event, bringing together athletes, policymakers, and advocates to discuss the transformative power of sports in promoting social inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunities. The event was organized by Nikos Pappas, Member of the European Parliament (MEP), who has been actively involved in promoting equitable access to sports and social inclusion policies across Europe.
The event featured two dynamic panel discussions that explored the role of sports in fostering inclusivity and the challenges that still hinder participation. The first panel, "Sport and Inclusivity," brought together distinguished speakers who have actively contributed to making sports more accessible. Thanasis Antetokounmpo, an NBA player, shared insights on the unifying power of sports, while Nikos Odubitan, an activist advocating for the rights of second-generation migrants, emphasized the importance of diversity and representation. Vittoria Bianco, a Paralympic swimmer, provided a personal perspective on overcoming barriers as an athlete with a disability, and Annaliza Tsakona, Senior International Relations & Public Affairs Manager at FIFA, discussed institutional efforts to promote inclusion in global sports. The panel was moderated by Nikos Pappas, MEP, who guided the discussion on how policies and grassroots initiatives can drive change.
The second panel, "Barriers to Participation in Sport," focused on the obstacles that still prevent many individuals from engaging in sports. Simone Barlaam, a Paralympic swimmer, and Antonis Tsapatakis, also a Paralympic swimmer, spoke about the physical and societal challenges faced by athletes with disabilities. Lucilla Boari, a recurve archer, shared her perspective on accessibility within individual sports, while Athina Papafotiou, a professional volleyball player, addressed the structural and financial barriers that affect aspiring athletes. Carolina Morace, MEP, moderated the session, leading a thought-provoking conversation on the necessary steps to break down these barriers and ensure that sports become a space for everyone.
As a dedicated advocate for sports development, Joanna Dochevska, Chairperson of the Bulgarian Sports Development Association (BSDA), participated in the event and shared insights on BSDA’s ongoing work to promote inclusivity in sports. She highlighted BSDA’s commitment to breaking down barriers through various initiatives, including #BeInclusiveWaterPolo, #BeActiveTogether and #SPORT, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, which aims are to provide equal opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities.
The second panel, "Barriers to Participation in Sport," focused on the obstacles that still prevent many individuals from engaging in sports. Simone Barlaam, a Paralympic swimmer, and Antonis Tsapatakis, also a Paralympic swimmer, spoke about the physical and societal challenges faced by athletes with disabilities. Lucilla Boari, a recurve archer, shared her perspective on accessibility within individual sports, while Athina Papafotiou, a professional volleyball player, addressed the structural and financial barriers that affect aspiring athletes. Carolina Morace, MEP, moderated the session, leading a thought-provoking conversation on the necessary steps to break down these barriers and ensure that sports become a space for everyone.
As a dedicated advocate for sports development, Joanna Dochevska, Chairperson of the Bulgarian Sports Development Association (BSDA), participated in the event and shared insights on BSDA’s ongoing work to promote inclusivity in sports. She highlighted BSDA’s commitment to breaking down barriers through various initiatives, including #BeInclusiveWaterPolo, #BeActiveTogether and #SPORT, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, which aims are to provide equal opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities.
