Български
SPORT
BSDA took part in Moving Together: Sport for Youth Empowerment
15.05.2026
From 13 to 15 May 2026, the international event “Moving Together: Sport for Youth Empowerment” took place in Sofia, focusing on the role of sport and physical activity in youth work, the promotion of shared European values, active citizenship, and social inclusion. The forum was organized by the European Commission’s SALTO resource centres and brought together in Sofia youth workers, sports clubs, non-governmental organizations, local authority representatives, and Erasmus+ programme beneficiaries from different countries.
Bulgarian sports development association (BSDA) took an active part in the event through its representatives Joanna Dochevska – Chairperson of BSDA, Ivelina Kirilova – Inclusive Sport Coordinator at the organization, and Nina Al Rifai – medalist at the Special Olympics World Games in swimming and basketball. As part of the programme, the BSDA team moderated the session “Sport and Community Engagement,” dedicated to sport as a driver of social responsibility, community building, and the active participation of young people through sports initiatives.
The event, hosted by the Human Resource Development Centre (the Erasmus+ National Agency in Bulgaria), placed a strong focus on topics such as physical and mental health, sustainability through sport, non-formal education, youth participation, volunteering, and the use of sport as a tool for building active and engaged communities. Participants exchanged good practices and ideas for future international partnerships focused on youth work and sport.
During the forum, BSDA representatives shared their experience in implementing international initiatives aimed at inclusion through sport, working with people with disabilities, and developing sustainable local communities. Special attention was given to the importance of adapted and inclusive sport as an environment that promotes equal opportunities, confidence, and social connectedness. The event also presented BSDA’s current initiative, #SPORT –Strengthening Potentials through Opportunities, Respect, and Team-spirit, supported by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme, which promotes sustainable inclusion through sport at local, national, and international level, including for people with intellectual disabilities.
The participation of Nina Al Rifai provided a powerful personal example of how sport can change lives, build self-confidence, and inspire young people to be active, confident, and engaged members of society. Among the forum’s main objectives were strengthening cooperation between the youth and sports sectors, creating new Erasmus+ partnerships, and developing practical methods for using sport in non-formal education and youth work. Once again, the forum highlighted the importance of sport as a tool for connecting people, building values, and promoting a more inclusive, active, and supportive society.
The event, hosted by the Human Resource Development Centre (the Erasmus+ National Agency in Bulgaria), placed a strong focus on topics such as physical and mental health, sustainability through sport, non-formal education, youth participation, volunteering, and the use of sport as a tool for building active and engaged communities. Participants exchanged good practices and ideas for future international partnerships focused on youth work and sport.
During the forum, BSDA representatives shared their experience in implementing international initiatives aimed at inclusion through sport, working with people with disabilities, and developing sustainable local communities. Special attention was given to the importance of adapted and inclusive sport as an environment that promotes equal opportunities, confidence, and social connectedness. The event also presented BSDA’s current initiative, #SPORT –Strengthening Potentials through Opportunities, Respect, and Team-spirit, supported by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme, which promotes sustainable inclusion through sport at local, national, and international level, including for people with intellectual disabilities.
The participation of Nina Al Rifai provided a powerful personal example of how sport can change lives, build self-confidence, and inspire young people to be active, confident, and engaged members of society. Among the forum’s main objectives were strengthening cooperation between the youth and sports sectors, creating new Erasmus+ partnerships, and developing practical methods for using sport in non-formal education and youth work. Once again, the forum highlighted the importance of sport as a tool for connecting people, building values, and promoting a more inclusive, active, and supportive society.
