Български
IOFA project
BSDA presented the IOFA project
01.09.2025
On September 1, 2025, in Sofia, a presentation of the “IOFA – Inclusive Orienteering for All” project was held, aiming to introduce the initiative, its objectives, and the opportunities it creates for people with disabilities and the sports organizations working with them.
The conference brought together 20 specialists in adapted physical activity and sport, coaches, teachers, and social workers, who shared experience and ideas for promoting social inclusion through the sport of orienteering.
The IOFA project is implemented with the support of the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union and unites organizations from Croatia, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Hungary, each contributing with its expertise in the field of inclusion and the development of orienteering.
The main objectives of the project include:
• Developing and disseminating guidelines for organizing accessible orienteering events for people with different types of disabilities;
• Creating educational materials for schools, youth organizations, and sports clubs;
• Raising awareness of the benefits of orienteering and its potential as an inclusive sport.
During the event, participants discussed key challenges to accessibility in orienteering and shared strategies for adapting the sport to the needs of people with disabilities. Opportunities for promotional campaigns encouraging their participation and civic engagement were also considered.
“Through the IOFA project and international cooperation, we aim to break down barriers and create a sustainable environment where orienteering is accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” shared the organizers from Bulgarian sports development association.
The project will continue to develop useful tools, training resources, and campaigns aimed at broader inclusion of people with disabilities in the sports community.
The IOFA project is implemented with the support of the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union and unites organizations from Croatia, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Hungary, each contributing with its expertise in the field of inclusion and the development of orienteering.
The main objectives of the project include:
• Developing and disseminating guidelines for organizing accessible orienteering events for people with different types of disabilities;
• Creating educational materials for schools, youth organizations, and sports clubs;
• Raising awareness of the benefits of orienteering and its potential as an inclusive sport.
During the event, participants discussed key challenges to accessibility in orienteering and shared strategies for adapting the sport to the needs of people with disabilities. Opportunities for promotional campaigns encouraging their participation and civic engagement were also considered.
“Through the IOFA project and international cooperation, we aim to break down barriers and create a sustainable environment where orienteering is accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” shared the organizers from Bulgarian sports development association.
The project will continue to develop useful tools, training resources, and campaigns aimed at broader inclusion of people with disabilities in the sports community.
