News
First Transnational Project Meeting in Sofia: A Strong Start for Inclusion in Sport
On 23 March 2025, the Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance project officially kicked off with its first transnational meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria. Hosted by the project coordinator Darko Athletics Team, the meeting brought together partners from Greece (Kinitiko Ergastiri), Romania (Asociatia Troianul Suntem Noi), and Turkey (Aktif Gençlik ve Spor Kulübü).
The event took place at St. George Private School, one of the training bases of the Darko team. After a warm welcome and introductions, the partners explored the sports facilities and began their work on the project. The coordinator presented the main goals, timeline, and partner responsibilities, creating a strong foundation for teamwork and clarity.
Over lunch and in strategy discussions, partners also shared lessons from past Erasmus+ projects. The team showed strong motivation to work closely together and make sure the project’s activities are meaningful and effective.
Second Transnational Project Meeting in Athens
The second transnational meeting of the Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance project was held on 26–27 June 2025 in Athens, Greece, hosted by our dedicated partners from KINITIKO ERGASTIRI. The event gathered representatives from Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey to deepen their collaboration and move forward with developing inclusive sports activities across Europe.
The first day began with a series of working sessions where partners reviewed the results of the international survey conducted among over 200 sports professionals. The Bulgarian team presented the key conclusions, which highlighted common barriers and needs related to disability inclusion in grassroots sport. This was followed by a presentation from the Greek hosts, sharing national experience and good practices in adapted athletics.
In the afternoon of the first day, the group participated in a powerful practical training session held at the Dimotiko Athlitiko Kentro Stivou Ilioupoleos “Chalikaki”.
Led by coach Konstantina, the session brought together children with and without disabilities who trained side by side in small teams. Together, they warmed up using resistance rings, did stretching exercises, and engaged in activities like vortex throwing, team races, and long jump in the sand. The session demonstrated in practice the values of inclusion, respect, and cooperation that the project promotes.
On the second day, the partners continued working on the development of the project methodology, including the upcoming national sports events and the filming of video lessons. The Greek team presented further guidelines on how to conduct inclusive events and shared advice for ensuring accessibility, fun, and safety.
The Athens meeting was a major step forward in the Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance journey. It combined knowledge-sharing, real-life inclusion, and strategic planning—proving once again that sport can be a powerful tool to bring people together.
Third Transnational Meeting of Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance in Istanbul, Turkey
The third transnational meeting of the Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance project was held in Istanbul, Turkey, and hosted by Aktif Spor Kulubu. This important meeting brought together partners from Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and Turkey to review the progress of the project and to continue building a common methodology for inclusive athletics activities.
The meeting marked a key moment in the project timeline. After the completion of the first national inclusive sports events in all partner countries, the consortium met to reflect on results, share experiences, and agree on the next practical steps.
Sharing Results and Good Practices
During the two-day meeting, each partner organization presented a report on the national sports events they had organized. These events brought together young people with disabilities and young people without disabilities in inclusive athletics activities based on running, jumping, and throwing.
The discussions focused on:
- participation of young people with different types of disabilities
- cooperation between coaches, volunteers, and families
- adapting athletics exercises to different needs
- creating a positive and friendly training environment
The exchange of experiences helped partners better understand the challenges and successful approaches in different countries and local contexts.
Coach Education and First Aid Focus
A central part of the meeting was dedicated to coach education. The host organization introduced guidelines for organizing training courses for sports professionals based on the project values of inclusion, tolerance, and respect.
Special attention was given to first aid training. Experts from Aktif Spor Kulubu shared practical knowledge and recommendations on how to prepare coaches to respond to emergency situations during training and sports events. This element is an important added value of the project and aims to increase safety and confidence in grassroots sports environments.
Building the Common Methodology
Based on the presentations and discussions, the partners worked together to further develop a unified methodology for inclusive athletics activities. This methodology will be used:
- in the final national sports events
- in coach training seminars
- in the project handbook and e-learning platform
The meeting also included planning sessions for the upcoming activities, including final sports events, training courses, and the preparation of educational materials.
Looking Ahead
The third meeting in Istanbul strengthened cooperation between partners and confirmed the shared commitment to making athletics accessible to everyone. The outcomes of this meeting will directly support the final phase of the project and contribute to long-term impact in grassroots sport and disability inclusion.
The next and final transnational meeting will take place in Bulgaria, where partners will evaluate the full project cycle and finalize the handbook and sustainability actions.
Events
Inclusion in Action: Promoting Athletics for All in Sofia
On 8 June 2025, the Darko Athletics Team promoted the Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance project during one of its most joyful events—the Family Relays in Sofia. Held at the national athletics base, the event gathered children, parents, and sports enthusiasts of all ages to celebrate movement, community, and inclusion.
The relay format, already popular among families and schools, offered the perfect opportunity to share the values of the project with a broad and diverse audience. Through a fun, friendly, and non-competitive atmosphere, everyone was reminded that sport truly is for all—regardless of age, ability, or background.
Throughout the day, the Darko Athletics Team introduced the goals of the Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance project. The team presented the idea of creating inclusive athletics events where children with and without disabilities train together, guided by coaches who promote empathy, equality, and friendship.
Visitors learned about the project’s upcoming sports events, video lessons, and the plan to build a digital network of inclusive sports clubs. Many expressed interest in joining future activities and supporting its mission.
The event also served as a real-life example of what inclusion looks like in action: parents and children running together, volunteers supporting participants of different abilities, and athletes encouraging one another across generations and experiences.
This was the first public promotion of the project in Bulgaria and a meaningful step toward raising awareness about disability inclusion in sport. The positive energy and engagement from the participants reflect the project’s core belief: that athletics can be a bridge—not a barrier.
The Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance project continues with many more activities ahead, and this event set a strong tone for what’s to come.
Event in the Park – Inclusive Athletics for All
In Sofia (14.09), the Darko Athletics Team organized an inclusive sports event in the park as part of the Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance Erasmus+ project, co-funded by the European Union. The event brought together children and young people with and without disabilities for an afternoon of fun, play, and learning through athletics.
Participants ran, jumped, and threw together, discovering that sport is not about competition, but about joy, teamwork, and tolerance. The event also included children from our friends at the Concordia Social Center, who joined the activities with great enthusiasm.
The day showed once again that inclusion starts with participation — and that athletics truly is for everyone. Certified athletics equipment was used during the event, ensuring a safe and professional environment for all participants. This activity marks just one of the many initiatives we are preparing under the project, aiming to build bridges through sport and create accessible and welcoming spaces for all.
Inclusive Relay Marks the Grand Finale of Belmeken Summer Camp
Darko Athletics Team closed their traditional summer camp at the legendary Belmeken sports base with an energetic and inspiring relay competition, part of the Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance project.
In the final day’s highlight, parents and children joined forces in mixed teams, competing in fun and dynamic relay races. The event used special athletics equipment from World Athletics’ Kids’ Athletics programme, designed to make the sport accessible for all. From adjustable hurdles to lightweight batons, every element allowed people of all ages, abilities, and physical conditions to take part equally.
This colourful competition united participants from different social backgrounds and age groups, creating a vibrant atmosphere where inclusion, equality, and friendship were celebrated on and off the track. The focus was not on results, but on teamwork, joy, and showing that everyone has a place in athletics.
Ending the camp with such a powerful message, the Darko Athletics Team once again proved that sport can break down barriers, foster tolerance, and create a true sense of belonging for all.
Informational Event with Women’s Associations in Çanakkale
On 18 September, the Turkish partner Aktif Spor Kulübü organised an informative meeting with members of two women’s associations in Çanakkale. The event took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere by the sea, gathering more than 30 participants interested in learning about the Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance project, co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme.
The discussion focused on the project’s main objectives: to promote inclusion and tolerance through athletics, and to provide equal access to sports for young people with and without disabilities. Participants exchanged ideas on how sport can empower communities, strengthen social ties, and contribute to a more open and understanding society.
This activity was also part of the European Week of Sport, which encourages citizens across Europe to #BeActive and reminds everyone that sport is a universal language that unites people of all ages and abilities.
Through this initiative, Aktif Spor Kulübü continues to raise awareness about inclusion, equality, and the importance of sport as a tool for positive change.
Sprint Cup – Celebrating Inclusion and the European Week of Sport
On September 28, the Darko Athletics Team hosted another exciting event as part of the Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance Erasmus+ project, co-funded by the European Union. The Sprint Cup took place at the Private School Saint George in Sofia, gathering more than 180 participants and over 200 spectators who ran, jumped, and celebrated inclusion and tolerance on the track.
The event was not only a competition but also a celebration of the European Week of Sport, reminding everyone that movement unites us all. Families, children, and coaches shared smiles and laughter, while many applauded the young and adult athletes, showing once again that athletics is for everyone.
Each participant received a medal, symbolizing that every effort counts and that inclusion is the biggest victory. The Sprint Cup confirmed once again the mission of our project — to create an open and accessible environment where sport teaches friendship, respect, and empathy.
Inclusive Athletics Event Brings Students Together in Edremit
On October 16, 2025, Aktif Gençlik ve Spor Kulübü (Active Youth and Sports Club) organized an inclusive athletics event at Kardeş Çavuşoğlu Secondary School in the Edremit district as part of the Erasmus+ Sports Project Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance.
The event created a joyful and safe environment where students with and without disabilities trained and played together. Children with learning and mild intellectual disabilities participated in activities such as running games, beginner javelin throwing, hurdles, and relay races together with their classmates.
Teachers and the school principal watched the event with great interest, impressed by the enthusiasm and teamwork of all participants. Physical education teachers from the school and representatives of the sports club led the activities and later held an evaluation meeting to discuss the impact of the event.
One of the most touching moments came from a student with a disability who said, “Let’s do this again! It was wonderful. For the first time, I felt part of the school.” The words perfectly reflected the main message of the Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance project — that sports have the power to connect people, build confidence, and promote tolerance.
Events like this one are an important part of the project’s mission to increase participation of young people with disabilities in sports and to raise awareness about inclusion and equality through athletics.
Inclusive Athletics Camp in Athens Promotes Equal Opportunities for All
On October 14th, 2025, an inspiring athletics training camp took place in Athens, Greece, as part of the Erasmus+ Sport project Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance. The event gathered young athletes with and without disabilities who trained and competed together in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
During the camp, participants took part in various athletics disciplines, including shot put, long jump, and running events over 50 and 100 metres. More than 50 athletes with intellectual disabilities joined their peers in these activities, showing strong motivation, energy, and teamwork.
The event demonstrated how accessible and inclusive sports environments can build confidence and empower everyone, regardless of ability or intellectual capacity. Coaches and organizers from Kinitiko Ergastiri, the Greek partner of the project, guided the activities and ensured that all participants had a positive and safe experience.
Through initiatives like this, the Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance project continues to promote the European values of equality, tolerance, and friendship, encouraging sports participation for all young people.
The training camp in Athens once again highlighted that athletics is not only about results, but also about inclusion, respect, and shared joy.
Inclusive Athletics Event at Ş.F. Çamoğlu Middle School in Çanakkale
On November 4, 2025, Active Youth and Sports Club organized another inclusive athletics event as part of the Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance project. The event took place at Ş.F. Çamoğlu Middle School in Çanakkale and was co-organized by a physical education teacher from the school together with a coach from Active Youth and Sports Club.
A total of nineteen students aged 12 and 13 participated in the activities, including four students with disabilities. The event focused on teamwork and inclusion through fun and accessible athletic games such as relays and running exercises. These activities encouraged the students to cooperate, communicate, and support each other regardless of their physical abilities.
At the end of the session, a discussion was held with the students and their teachers to evaluate the activities. Participants shared their feelings and experiences, highlighting the importance of understanding, cooperation, and friendship in sports.
The event once again demonstrated how athletics can be an inclusive tool to unite young people and promote tolerance, respect, and equal participation for all.
Baby Cup 8 and the Inclusive Start – A Celebration of Athletics for All
The project coordinator, Darko Athletics Team, organised one of the biggest and most inspiring events within the Athletics for Inclusion and Tolerance project – Baby Cup 8. The event took place in Sofia and showed, in practice, how athletics can unite children, families, and communities around the values of inclusion and tolerance.
Baby Cup 8 reached an impressive scale. More than 550 children participated actively in the competitions and activities, while over 3,000 spectators filled the stands, creating an emotional and supportive atmosphere throughout the day.
An Inclusive Start for Every Child
One of the strongest moments of the event was the inclusive start. Children with disabilities started the races together with children without disabilities, using adapted starts that respected different needs and abilities. This approach allowed every child to feel included, confident, and valued.
The inclusive start was welcomed with applause from the stands and strong support from parents and spectators. It clearly showed that sport can be fair, accessible, and joyful for everyone.
Athletics Through Fun and Participation
The programme included short running races, basic jumping and throwing activities, and playful athletic exercises suitable for young children. All activities were adapted to age and individual abilities, with the main focus on movement, enjoyment, and participation rather than results.
Coaches and volunteers worked closely with families to guide and encourage the children, creating a safe and positive environment on and around the track.
A Powerful Message for Inclusion and Tolerance
With Baby Cup 8, Darko Athletics Team delivered a strong message to the wider public. Inclusion is not only a concept, but something that can be implemented successfully in large-scale sports events.
The presence of more than 3,000 spectators helped spread this message far beyond the track, raising awareness about the importance of equal access to sport from an early age.
Building the Future of Inclusive Sport
Baby Cup 8 is part of a long-term commitment to building an inclusive sports culture for children and families. The experience, visibility, and good practices from the event will support future activities of the project and inspire other sports organisations to include inclusive starts and adapted activities in their events.
Through events like Baby Cup 8, athletics proves that it truly is a sport for all.
