Day 2

• Author: Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (European Commission)
• Pages: 23-29

Speakers

David Lega, MEP and Paralympic Champion

Antoaneta Angelova-Krasteva, Director for Innovation, International Cooperation

and Sport, DG EAC, European Commission

Anne d’Ieteren, President of the Belgian Paralympic Committee

Pietro Cirrincione, Autism Europe Vice-President and President

of Romulea Autistic Football Club, Rome

For some, simply participating is a victory in itself. The

act of getting out there (in the community, in elections, in

daily activities) should never be taken for granted. Sport is

a universal language for promoting solidarity, respecting

values and creating a sense of belonging. And it should

be facilitated, “not forced”, according to Antoaneta

Angelova-Krasteva. Removing remaining barriers to

fuller inclusion in sport for all is a priority.

With their unique experience, the panellists discussed

how this can be achieved and the audience provided

some valuable food for thought. EU programmes f‌irmly

address many of the barriers, Mrs Angelova-Krasteva

continued, by raising awareness, boosting infrastructure

and sporting facilities, supporting volunteers/

trainers/coaches, and much more. Role models and

their inspiring stories of personal development and

achievement are important as well.

With a seven-year budget of almost EUR 266 million,

the Erasmus+ programme focuses on grassroots

sport and is already funding sport projects supporting

inclusive societies. Social inclusion is a priority of the

Work Programme, she said, and since 2014, some 228

projects have been funded in this area. For example, the

#BeInclusive EU Sport Awards, launched in 2017, have

proven to be a valuable tool for recognising sporting

organisations working with ethnic minorities, refugees,

people with disabilities, youth groups at risk, or any

other group that faces challenging social circumstances.

Several videos were shown of this year’s prize-winners

in action, from inclusive gymnastics and judo clubs

in Portugal and Croatia respectively, to cooperative

climbing groups in Germany.

“There is a political commitment from the

Commission to make the future Erasmus

programme even more accessible and inclusive,”

– conf‌irmed Mrs Angelova-Krasteva.

THE DRIVE

The joy of participating

PANEL 4 · HOW TO

ACHIEVE SPORTS FOR ALL

Yes, we need the rights but with… responsibilities, too.

Everything is a balance, with or without disability.

David Lega, MEP

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DAY 2 · PANEL 4 · How to achieve Sports for All