ICSSPE Contributes to German Parliamentary Dialogue on Para Sport
On 15 October 2026, ICSSPE participated in the “Sportpolitisches Frühstück zum Para Sport”, hosted by the SPD Parliamentary Group at the German Bundestag in Berlin.
The event brought together policymakers, representatives of sport organisations and experts to discuss current priorities and challenges in Para Sport. It provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on how policies and institutional structures can more effectively support meaningful participation for persons with disabilities.
Bringing an International and Evidence-Based Perspective
ICSSPE contributed to the discussion by drawing on its recent work for the joint Council of Europe and European Union project “Sport for All: Promoting Inclusion and Combating Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities”.
Through this project, Para Sport structures, policies and participation pathways were examined across eight countries, providing insights into how different systems approach inclusion and access to sport.
ICSSPE brought these findings into the parliamentary dialogue, highlighting the importance of connecting policy commitments with their practical implementation.
From Policy Commitments to Meaningful Participation
One of the key findings emerging from the project is that the existence of policies, legislation and institutional structures does not automatically result in meaningful participation in sport.
While formal frameworks are essential, challenges often arise when they are translated into practice. These can include gaps in implementation, limited coordination between stakeholders and insufficient access to opportunities at grassroots level.
The transition between recreational and competitive sport can also present barriers, making it more difficult for participants to progress within sport systems.
Another challenge is the availability of reliable participation data. Without sufficient data, it can be difficult to assess whether existing policies and measures are reaching the people they are intended to support.
Strengthening the Link Between Research, Policy and Practice
ICSSPE’s participation in the discussion reflects its commitment to bringing international research and evidence into policy dialogue.
By contributing findings from comparative work across different national contexts, ICSSPE aims to support approaches that move beyond policy commitments and create practical conditions for inclusive, accessible and meaningful participation in sport.
Dialogue between policymakers, sport organisations, researchers and other stakeholders remains essential to identifying implementation gaps and strengthening opportunities for persons with disabilities across all levels of sport.
