We are thrilled to announce the launch of EACL project aimed at promoting a sport as a tool for social inclusion. The inclusiveness of the project idea lies in the involvement of sport organizations and associations already implementing inclusive sport activities for PwID and other stakeholders in football activities.
The first international meeting of the EU co-funded project EACL took place from January 25th to 27th in Athens. Hosted by Olympiacos F.C., project partners have meet in person and discussed about general project management and implementation. Also, there was a dedicated part for discussion about upcoming tasks and deliverables.
Partnership wants to establish secure and engaging settings that motivate PwID to participate in football activities, helping them to overcome barriers and challenges to sports involvement. In line with overcoming challenges, specialized skills and knowledge to experts working with people with disabilities in sport-related activities will be enhanced. As an assist tool for sports staff in implementing football activities for different target groups of PwID, Partnership
will produce a manual on inclusive adaptations in football. Project foresees fostering the development of skills, physical and mental health, and well-being of PwID, as well as the stakeholders involved, through the training and pilot phase. Based on piloting experience Policy recommendations for the inclusion of PwID will be developed with the purpose of raising awareness about the importance of promoting sports as a means of inclusion.
After the meeting, partners discused possibilities of expanding mutual cooperation through various other initiatives and programs and visited the Georgios Karaiskakis Football Stadium.
Promotion of physical activities for and with PwID represents the core of EACL, and football, being the most widely embraced sport globally, has the potential to be the most suitable platform for achieving social integration and improving overall physical and mental well-being.
