ICSSPE Executive Director delivers keynote at EPYG Legacy Initiative Policy & Development Hubs in Istanbul

ICSSPE Executive Director Patrick Stolpmann delivered a keynote at the Policy & Development Hubs, held from 3–5 June 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye, under the European Para Youth Games (EPYG) Legacy Initiative.

 

Patrick delivered his presentation in representation of the International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (IFAPA), in his role as Disability Community Liaison. His session, titled “Promoting disability inclusion through sport – Advocacy strategies,” addressed how sport organisations, policymakers and wider stakeholders can strengthen disability inclusion through evidence-informed, rights-based and disability-led advocacy.

 

The Policy & Development Hubs were organised as part of the EPYG Legacy Initiative, developed by the European Paralympic Committee to ensure that the impact of the European Para Youth Games extends beyond competition and contributes to long-term inclusive Para sport development across Europe. The event brought together National Paralympic Committees, policymakers, education stakeholders and sport organisations to strengthen governance, inclusion, cooperation and sustainable development pathways for Para sport.

 

Across the three-day programme, participants engaged in thematic sessions and interactive workshops addressing key areas such as law and governance, rights and regulations, sports and pedagogy, inclusion initiatives and funding, empowerment, and inclusion policies in the European Union. The programme also included networking opportunities designed to encourage cooperation and future legacy development across European Para sport.

 

In his presentation, Stolpmann emphasised that disability inclusion in sport should be understood as a rights-based priority connected to participation, education, health, social belonging and policy change. He highlighted the continued need for stronger data on the participation of people with disabilities in sport, recreation and physical activity, noting that policy development is often weakened when disability-disaggregated evidence is limited or absent.

 

He also underlined the importance of disability-led advocacy, stressing that inclusive sport initiatives must be shaped with people with disabilities and disability rights organisations, rather than only designed for them. Drawing on current discussions in adapted physical activity and disability inclusion, he pointed to the need for greater community ownership, stronger alignment between policy and practice, and long-term accountability beyond awareness-raising campaigns.

 

The session encouraged participants to consider practical advocacy strategies, including mapping barriers to participation, building coalitions across sport, education, health and disability sectors, translating evidence into clear policy asks, promoting disability leadership, and monitoring change over time.

 

Through his contribution, Patrick reinforced the importance of connecting sport policy, adapted physical activity, education and disability rights to create more inclusive and sustainable sport systems. His participation also reflected ICSSPE’s continued commitment to international cooperation, inclusive sport development, and the use of research and policy dialogue to strengthen access to sport and physical activity for all.

 

The Policy & Development Hubs formed part of a broader effort to ensure that the legacy of the European Para Youth Games contributes to lasting impact, expanding opportunities for young people with disabilities and promoting a more inclusive sporting culture across Türkiye and Europe.