The Beginning of December Under the Theme “Inclusivity in Sports”

On December 12-13, 2024, our team, represented by Rafał Kaszubski and Mateusz Boczyło, had the pleasure of participating in the exceptional event “Grassroots & Social Sports: Education, Inclusion, Development”. The event brought together representatives of sports, education, and social organizations from across Europe. The conference and workshops, organized as part of the Erasmus+ Sport program, provided an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences, present best practices, and deepen knowledge about the role of sports as an educational and integrative tool, as well as the importance of inclusivity in this area.

What was the event about?

The purpose of the meeting was to present initiatives promoting sports as a tool for:

• working with youth in the areas of inclusion, integration, and education,
• promoting values such as tolerance and equality,
• counteracting discrimination and social exclusion,
• fostering a better understanding of what inclusivity means in sports.

The conference and workshops were targeted at coaches, educators, sports organizations, and social initiatives for whom sports are more than just a training tool – they represent a platform for building relationships, strengthening communities, and supporting youth development.

Day 1: Integration and Participant Networking

As is typical for such events, the first day was dedicated to the participants’ arrival and accommodation. Nevertheless, time was effectively organized for integration through interesting methods that are particularly effective when working with youth groups.

Day 2: Erasmus+ Sport Conference

On December 12, an international conference took place, attended by approximately 120 participants – including representatives of sports institutions, federations, social organizations, and athletes, including Olympians and Paralympians. The ISG team was further strengthened by the presence of Piotr Popławski.

The program included:

• presentations of initiatives and programs such as Erasmus+ Sport, the European Solidarity Corps, and Inclusive Games (inclusivity in the Olympic Games),
• two plenary sessions:
  • “Sports as an Educational and Social Tool”,
  • “The Importance of Mental Training in Sports and Everyday Life”,
• networking activities and practical sessions demonstrating methods of working with youth through sports.

One of the most impactful moments was the presentation by Jakub Kalinowski from the V4Sport Foundation. He addressed the significant issue of low physical activity among children and youth, and ways to change this state of affairs. A critical role in this process is played by education through sports, which involves incorporating physical games and activities into the educational process for children.

Jakub also emphasized the important role of parents in children’s development. By giving up regular and shared physical activities, parents essentially deprive their children of the chance for joyful and effective physical development.

Thanks to the efforts of Salto Youth, the organizer of the Grassroots event, participants had the opportunity to attend dedicated workshops led by Jakub, gaining deeper insights into the potential of education through sports.

Day 3: Interactive Workshops and Inclusivity in Sports

On the second day, participants took part in workshops focused on the practical application of sports as a tool for achieving social goals. Discussions and exercises covered topics such as:

• what social sports are and what results can be achieved through them,
• how to design integration and education activities based on sports,
• which tools and methods can support working with youth.

The workshops were led by representatives of the YouSports initiative, among others. Each facilitator offered participants a unique thematic focus, providing foundational knowledge across areas ranging from traditional Irish sports to team-building through dance.

Why was this event important for us?

Our participation in this event was an excellent opportunity to:

• establish contacts with organizations from different countries,
• learn innovative methods for working with youth,
• share our experience in using sports as an integrative and educational tool,
• gain a better understanding of the concept of inclusivity.

We are thrilled to have been part of this exceptional initiative, which inspires action to promote equality, tolerance, and social inclusion through sports.

Summary

Events like the Erasmus+ Sport conference demonstrate the immense potential of sports as a tool for building a better society. We are proud to have participated in this initiative and are already planning to implement the knowledge gained into our daily work.

If you want to learn more about how sports can support education and social inclusion, follow our future activities!