Български
IOFA project
BSDA held a focus group under the IOFA project
30.03.2024
On March 30, 2024, at the National Sports Academy "Vasil Levski", Bulgarian sports development association, held a focus group under the "IOFA – Inclusive Orienteering for All" project, which aims to make orienteering more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone, particularly individuals with disabilities and sport organizations working with them. The event was attended by coaches and sports professionals working with people with disabilities who are directly involved with the target group, and have the necessary knowledge and skills, as well as years of experience on this topic. The project brings together organisations from Croatia, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Hungary, each with specific knowledge and experience in promoting inclusion and/or orienteering.
The Erasmus Plus co-funded initiative will focus on the needs and challenges faced by two target groups: individuals with disabilities (mainly mobility disabilities) and sport operators (coaches, trainers, event organizers, club managers). By engaging people with disabilities in all phases of the project and ensuring their participation in training sessions, the project will promote social inclusion and integration.
The main issues discussed in the focus group were:
• How can we improve orienteering’s accessibility, especially for people with disabilities, and how can we encourage greater civic participation?
• The current barriers that people with disabilities face in participating in this sport and how can we address these challenges?
• What strategies or initiatives would be successful in promoting civic participation among people with disabilities and how can we adapt them to the orienteering?
• Are there specific adaptations or modifications to this sport that could make it more accessible to people with different types of disabilities?
• How can we develop promotional campaigns to encourage participation of people with disabilities in this sport and what messages would be most effective?
KEY OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT INCLUDE:
• Developing and disseminating guidelines for organizing grassroots Trail Orienteering events, tailored to local public bodies and individuals with disabilities;
• Creating educational materials for schools, youth organizations, and sport clubs to promote Trail Orienteering and encourage participation, with a particular focus on people with disabilities;
• Raising awareness about Trail Orienteering among the general public and policymakers, highlighting its unique characteristics and potential for inclusion, and advocating for its recognition as a valid sport discipline.
The project will foster international collaboration, sharing of knowledge and expertise, development of user-friendly tools and resources, and promotion of social inclusion through sport. By addressing the needs and goals of partner organisations and target groups, Inclusive Orienteering for All will break down barriers and create inclusive environments within the sport of Trail Orienteering.
The main issues discussed in the focus group were:
• How can we improve orienteering’s accessibility, especially for people with disabilities, and how can we encourage greater civic participation?
• The current barriers that people with disabilities face in participating in this sport and how can we address these challenges?
• What strategies or initiatives would be successful in promoting civic participation among people with disabilities and how can we adapt them to the orienteering?
• Are there specific adaptations or modifications to this sport that could make it more accessible to people with different types of disabilities?
• How can we develop promotional campaigns to encourage participation of people with disabilities in this sport and what messages would be most effective?
KEY OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT INCLUDE:
• Developing and disseminating guidelines for organizing grassroots Trail Orienteering events, tailored to local public bodies and individuals with disabilities;
• Creating educational materials for schools, youth organizations, and sport clubs to promote Trail Orienteering and encourage participation, with a particular focus on people with disabilities;
• Raising awareness about Trail Orienteering among the general public and policymakers, highlighting its unique characteristics and potential for inclusion, and advocating for its recognition as a valid sport discipline.
The project will foster international collaboration, sharing of knowledge and expertise, development of user-friendly tools and resources, and promotion of social inclusion through sport. By addressing the needs and goals of partner organisations and target groups, Inclusive Orienteering for All will break down barriers and create inclusive environments within the sport of Trail Orienteering.
