ICSSPE delivers first “Sport for All” Workshop in Türkiye

Last week, ICSSPE successfully delivered the first training workshop under the joint Council of Europe and European Union "Sport For All: Promoting Inclusion and Combating Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities" project in Ankara, Türkiye. The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from Greece, Serbia, Ukraine and Türkiye representing policy, sport governance, athletes and grassroots delivery levels.

 

Over the course of the multi-day training, ICSSPE facilitated interactive sessions designed to explore how inclusive sport systems function in practice and how participation opportunities for persons with disabilities can be strengthened across Europe.

The workshop focused on identifying key pressure points to participation in sport for persons with disabilities, while also highlighting enabling factors within national systems. Through a combination of group work, guided discussions, and practical tools, participants analysed how policies translate into real opportunities at grassroots level.

 

A central theme emerging from the discussions was the gap between strong elite para sport development and more limited access to inclusive participation pathways at community level. Participants reflected on how existing systems can better support sustained engagement in sport, from entry-level participation through to long-term involvement.

ICSSPE’s facilitation placed strong emphasis on the role of local actors—clubs, municipalities, NGOs, and educators—in delivering inclusive sport opportunities. Participants explored practical ways to strengthen grassroots capacity, including improving programme design, enhancing coaching practices, and building partnerships across sectors.

 

The workshop also highlighted the importance of coordination between stakeholders. Discussions revealed common challenges across countries related to fragmented responsibilities and limited collaboration, reinforcing the need for more integrated approaches to inclusive sport development.

Another key area of focus was the role of data and monitoring in supporting inclusive sport systems. Participants examined how data can be better used not only to track participation, but also to understand who is currently excluded and why. This included reflection on gender and other intersectional factors that shape access to sport.

 

In parallel, sessions addressed inclusive communication and the importance of increasing the visibility of persons with disabilities in sport, both at local and national levels.

 

The workshop provided a valuable platform for peer learning and exchange of shared experiences, challenges, and emerging practices from their respective countries, contributing to a collaborative environment that encouraged reflection and change.

 

The strong engagement and openness among participants underscored the importance of creating spaces where stakeholders from different sectors and contexts can come together to address shared challenges.

Building on the insights from the Türkiye workshop, ICSSPE will deliver the second training session next week in Lisbon, Portugal, will bring together stakeholders from Ireland, Armenia, Cyprus and Portugal.