Carlos Herrador Atienza and Daniel Contreras Parra
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SPORT FOR ALL was designed as a community-based sports event that aimed to promote healthy living while enhancing the social inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The project created opportunities for personal development, autonomy, and active participation through a variety of inclusive sporting activities. With a focus on values such as camaraderie, teamwork, and sportsmanship, we worked to establish a safe and engaging environment where all participants could practice sport and get better both physically and socially.
We began the project by reaching out to local associations and support groups that work with individuals with intellectual disabilities. After presenting our idea, we collaborated with these associations to conduct preparatory workshops that helped participants improve their physical fitness and build confidence. These sessions also included guidance on skills relevant to professional development and entry into the labour sector. We conducted follow-up visits every two weeks to monitor progress. In cases where the centers could not lead the training themselves, we took responsibility for delivering the sessions directly.
To support the implementation of the event, we contacted various public institutions and local sports entities to request financial and material support. We submitted proposals and met with stakeholders to ensure we had the necessary resources to carry out the project. This allowed us to create a well-rounded programme that went beyond sports competitions and contributed to community awareness.
The central event featured a sports competition composed of several modalities, including football, basketball, badminton, and athletics. The activities were adapted to accommodate different group formats such as 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4, based on the number of participants and the nature of each sport. These matches helped develop participants’ communication skills, cognitive abilities, and decision-making capacities, reinforcing their autonomy in a supportive environment.
In addition to the competitions, the event offered several community-focused activities. During breaks, ambient music created an inclusive and energetic atmosphere. An informational tent hosted talks for families and participants on topics related to employment preparation and inclusion. Several stands were operated by volunteers, offering refreshments, promotional items, and t-shirts, while a raffle was organised to raise funds for future initiatives. At the end of the event, a medal ceremony celebrated the efforts of all participants, followed by a small community gathering to close the day with a collective sense of accomplishment.
The project aimed to promote the social inclusion of individuals with disabilities by creating a shared space that encouraged equality and friendship through sports. At least 20 participants took part in the competitions, supported by a team of 10 volunteers who helped manage the event and ensure a safe environment. We worked in close cooperation with local associations and sports clubs, fostering meaningful partnerships and collective ownership of the initiative. Through our outreach and visibility efforts, the project reached more than 150 individuals online, raising awareness about the importance of inclusion in sports.
