About us
Join our Network
Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance
Sport that Unites
A European project promoting equality and inclusion through grassroots athletics—breaking barriers, building understanding, and creating spaces where everyone belongs.
Why This Project Matters
25%
Europeans with Disabilities
One in four Europeans lives with some form of disability
90%
Youth Unemployment
In Eastern Europe, this percentage of young people with disabilities are unemployed
5%
Sports Accessibility
Only this small fraction of sports clubs are open to people with disabilities
These statistics reveal a significant gap in sports accessibility across Europe, particularly in eastern regions. We firmly believe that sport is a fundamental right that must include everyone, regardless of ability. Our project aims to bridge this divide and create truly inclusive athletic opportunities.
Our Mission
Create Real Change
Transform sports culture across Europe
Build Community
Break stereotypes and forge meaningful connections
Unite Through Sport
Bring together youth with and without disabilities
We bring together young people of all abilities to train, move, and grow together. Through athletics, we create shared experiences that challenge perceptions and foster genuine friendships. Our work empowers coaches, educates communities, and creates meaningful change in Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, and Romania.
What We Do
National Inclusive Events
16 athletics events bringing together participants of all abilities across four countries
Coach Development
4 training seminars for coaches, 4 first aid courses, and comprehensive learning resources
Educational Materials
20 video lessons with inclusive exercises, 1 methodology handbook, and 4 podcast episodes
Network Building
International survey with 200+ sports workers and a digital network of 30+ inclusive clubs
Our comprehensive approach combines practical training, educational resources, and community building to create lasting change in how athletics programmes include people with disabilities.
Who We Are
Darko Athletics Team
Project coordinator
Based in Sofia, Darko Athletics is one of Bulgaria’s leading athletics clubs. Every day, over 300 members train in six venues, including the national stadium “Vasil Levski.” The club organizes camps, competitions, and seminars, with a mission to make sport inclusive, green, and accessible. Darko works with children and adults from all backgrounds—including youth with disabilities.
KINITIKO ERGASTIRI
Experts in adapted sport and recreation
Founded in Athens in 2012, this non-profit organization is a leader in therapeutic recreation for people with disabilities. They provide year-round adapted physical activities and sport programs that improve the quality of life for children, youth, and their families. Their professional team brings strong experience in grassroots inclusion and European project implementation.
Aktif Spor Kulubu
Driving inclusion for marginalized groups
Based in Çanakkale, Aktif works with youth with disabilities, asylum seekers, and minorities through sport and arts. The club runs youth projects, educational workshops, and advocacy campaigns focused on human rights, democracy, and social participation. With trained first aid volunteers and strong links to schools and civil society, they build bridges where they’re needed most.
Asociația Troianul Suntem Noi
Community changemakers from rural Romania
Newly established in 2024 in Troianul, one of Romania’s most disadvantaged regions, this grassroots NGO supports the personal and social development of local youth. They focus on inclusion, sport, and opportunity—especially for those facing economic hardship. Through this project, they bring fresh energy and local action to the European stage.
Together, we are changing the meaning of sport—making it more inclusive, respectful, and human.
Our Impact
Through our collaborative efforts, we're creating measurable change in how sports organisations approach inclusion. Our work doesn't just impact individual participants—it transforms entire communities and sporting cultures.
Bridge Gaps
We shorten the distance between sports clubs and disabled youth
Fight Discrimination
We reduce prejudice through shared experience, not preaching
Develop Leaders
We help coaches become champions of tolerance and empathy
Create Belonging
We build spaces where winning isn't the goal—belonging is
Our Network
Are you a coach, club, or local sports organisation interested in making athletics more inclusive? We invite you to join our growing community of changemakers across Europe. Together, we can transform sports culture and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate and thrive.
The strength of our initiative lies in collaboration with diverse sports clubs, associations, and community organizations across Europe. Together, we're building a more inclusive athletic landscape.
Our partners range from grassroots community initiatives to established sports federations, all committed to making athletics accessible to everyone regardless of ability or background.
Gallery
Experience the joy, determination and connection from our inclusive athletics events across Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey and Romania. These images capture the essence of our work: bringing people together, challenging perceptions, and celebrating the power of sport to unite communities.
News & Events
To learn more about our activities, click below
Co-funded by the European Union
Erasmus+ Programme
Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance is proudly co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, supporting education, training, youth and sport across Europe.
Project Details
Project ID: 101183571
Duration: 18 months
Focus: Inclusive athletics, disability rights, youth empowerment
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.