Sport for Inclusion - Youth Exchange

During the project, held in Hungary from September 1 to 9, 2025, the Italian team collaborated on ideas regarding inclusion in sports, focusing on open and inclusive approaches. They experimented with and adapted existing sports, seeking new ways to make them accessible and engaging for everyone. Additionally, the team developed various ideas and activities to encourage sports participation among individuals with fewer opportunities and those with disabilities.

Consequently, a few months after the project concluded (in the spring of 2026), our participants—together with the Young Effect team—organized a gathering with the social cooperative InnovAzione Reciproca (https://www.innovazionereciproca.it/) Local youths took part in outdoor activities tailored to various levels of disability, followed by a social lunch at the event area in Robecco sul Naviglio, near Magenta. The workshop took place on April 15, 2026.

The activities implemented were based on insights gained during the exchange organized by Elmenyzona.hu an association specializing in experiential learning.

What was the objective of the project?

One of the project's primary goals was to develop new methods and innovative, safe, and enjoyable sports activities capable of engaging both young people with fewer opportunities and those with disabilities. Adapting and reimagining sports activities helped foster greater inclusion, enabling young people to play an active role in shaping and creating their own sporting experiences.

Another key component of the project was the application of experiential pedagogy. Central to this approach were inclusivity and the valuing of individual traits and values, allowing each participant to share their experiences and contribute to the community.

This approach not only encouraged participation in sports activities but also helped young people gain a better understanding of themselves and others through excursions, outdoor activities, and shared experiences. These diverse activities allowed the group to connect with nature and enjoy the benefits of physical activity together, while simultaneously strengthening collaboration, social interaction, and a sense of community belonging.

The day in Magenta and Robecco sul Naviglio

It was a very busy day that included sharing the project's results at the "Liceo Quasimodo" high school; there, the young participants exchanged information about their wonderful experience in Hungary and promoted the Erasmus+ program and European mobility opportunities.

The group then traveled to Robecco sul Naviglio to meet the young people from the "InnovAzione Reciproca" social cooperative. A communal lunch was held in the marquee at the Robecco sul Naviglio event area, providing an opportunity to exchange best practices regarding inclusion through sports and outdoor activities.

Finally, we took part in an outdoor activity in Ticino Park, a reserve designated as a UNESCO biodiversity site. The day concluded with this walk and reflections on what had been learned during the activities.