Sport has the power to unite, promote health, and foster inclusion. The SIMPLE project, Sport, Inclusion, Movement, Participation, Learning, Environment, aims to leverage this power to bridge the gap between sport, social inclusion, and environmental protection. Funded by the Erasmus+ programme, the project runs from November 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, with active participation from partners in Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria. Through sport-based activities, SIMPLE seeks to promote youth inclusion, support people with disabilities, and encourage sustainable practices in local communities.
The core of the project has been the development of the sport activities that took place in Italy, Greece and Bulgaria.
In Bulgaria, 66 children and young people under 15, including individuals with disabilities, participated in the sports activities and events organised by the IYII team in the city of Varna in the period August-October 2024 within the project. Adventure run for the youth of Varna, on the occasion of “Varna Day”, attracted young residents and guests to a group run in the dark and cool in the Sea Garden. They all ran for health in an organised group along a predetermined route with an experienced guide, glowing headbands and bracelets, and lots of prizes and surprises. There was no competitive element, but there was a raffle with prizes for all participants. The sports event is organised in partnership with the municipality of Varna and a local sports club. Sports weekend for the children of Varna”, attracted the attention of many children, their parents and friends. The event kicked off with a full day of sports and entertainment activities on the lawn behind the Crooked Tree in the Sea Garden. The children participated in competitive games in the form of “Games of the Will in Nature”, quizzes on environmental protection and brain power, and a litter clean-up campaign after the event. The aim of the events was to show the young generation the connection between sport and environmental protection through physical activity in the local nature and giving every child the opportunity to be physically active, as well as to engage public and open spaces through cooperation with local authorities and organisations that are not part of this project to further disseminate the results of the project after its end.
In Italy, the Association Moana60 Spirit of Community APS organised several events throughout the duration of the project that involved all young people and people with disabilities. Young children and people with visual impairments participated in Discovering the Territory events where they had the opportunity to explore the local environment while engaging in sports activities that promote well-being, inclusion, and environmental awareness. During the summer, the association sailed with young children and people with disabilities at the discovery of the biodiversity of the Mediterranean sea.
In Greece, InnovED involved 40 students aged between 12-14 from Volos in the activities organised within the “SIMPLE” project. Half of the participants were neurodivergent students. The sport activities were held in open and safely protected spaces. The activities that were implemented were “trash collection” in the surrounding area, the “Scavenger Hunt Games” and an informative session where students, some parents and the caregivers of the people with disabilities learnt about the objectives of the SIMPLE project and its unique outputs. All the activities were specially adjusted for the specific disabilities, so that all students felt included and could participate.
The SIMPLE project is making tangible strides toward achieving its vision of inclusive and sustainable sports communities. The successful delivery of core strategies and the ongoing local activities signal strong momentum.
With the support of partners in Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria, the project continues to inspire social inclusion and environmental stewardship through sport.
As more local events unfold, SIMPLE’s impact on the community will only grow stronger. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on the project!
