Български
SPORT
Kick-Off Meeting of the #SPORT Project in Sofia
25.03.2025
The #SPORT – Strengthening Potentials through Opportunities, Respect, and Team-spirit project was officially launched with a kick-off meeting on 25th of March 2025 in Sofia, Bulgaria, bringing together key partners from Bulgarian Sports Development Association (BSDA) and Kargenc Club. This gathering marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to advance inclusivity in sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, aiming to create meaningful opportunities for participation, socialization, and personal development through adapted sports activities.
At the meeting, partners engaged in in-depth discussions on the project’s strategic direction, focusing on the implementation of inclusive sports programs and the development of key resources to support coaches and sports professionals. The discussions revolved around financial and administrative management, ensuring that all aspects of the project align with the objectives set by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, which co-funds the initiative. A major emphasis was placed on the creation of the #SPORT Handbook, a practical guide designed to equip coaches, trainers, and educators with methodologies and tools to foster inclusive sports environments. The meeting also outlined plans for upcoming #BeInclusive #SPORT Camps, which will take place in Bulgaria and Turkey, offering individuals with intellectual disabilities opportunities to engage in sports at both national and international levels.
During the sessions, partners explored effective dissemination strategies, recognizing the need to engage a wide range of stakeholders, from sports federations and community organizations to policymakers and educators. The importance of awareness campaigns and cross-border cooperation was highlighted, ensuring that the project’s impact extends beyond its immediate activities. Special attention was given to the role of exchange programs and study visits, which will allow professionals to share best practices and enhance their understanding of adaptive sports coaching.
The #SPORT project is set to empower 150 individuals with intellectual disabilities through structured sports activities in Bulgaria and Turkey, with an additional 60 participants benefiting from international sports events. By integrating inclusive training programs for coaches and sports administrators, the initiative will build a strong foundation for long-term change in the way individuals with disabilities engage with sports. As the meeting concluded, partners reaffirmed their commitment to fostering inclusivity, promoting equal opportunities, and ensuring the sustainability of the project’s outcomes. With BSDA and Kargenc Club leading the initiative, the SPORT project is positioned to become a model for inclusive sports programs across Europe, demonstrating the power of sports as a tool for empowerment and social inclusion.
For more information about the project and its upcoming activities, follow #SPORT and stay connected through the official platform of the initiative: www.sportinclusion.org.
During the sessions, partners explored effective dissemination strategies, recognizing the need to engage a wide range of stakeholders, from sports federations and community organizations to policymakers and educators. The importance of awareness campaigns and cross-border cooperation was highlighted, ensuring that the project’s impact extends beyond its immediate activities. Special attention was given to the role of exchange programs and study visits, which will allow professionals to share best practices and enhance their understanding of adaptive sports coaching.
The #SPORT project is set to empower 150 individuals with intellectual disabilities through structured sports activities in Bulgaria and Turkey, with an additional 60 participants benefiting from international sports events. By integrating inclusive training programs for coaches and sports administrators, the initiative will build a strong foundation for long-term change in the way individuals with disabilities engage with sports. As the meeting concluded, partners reaffirmed their commitment to fostering inclusivity, promoting equal opportunities, and ensuring the sustainability of the project’s outcomes. With BSDA and Kargenc Club leading the initiative, the SPORT project is positioned to become a model for inclusive sports programs across Europe, demonstrating the power of sports as a tool for empowerment and social inclusion.
For more information about the project and its upcoming activities, follow #SPORT and stay connected through the official platform of the initiative: www.sportinclusion.org.
