IncluME Inclusive Sports for Individuals with Mental
Disabilities
Description
The "IncluME" project created an inclusive sports environment designed to address the low participation of adults with mental disabilities in athletic activities after leaving school. Organized by a team of five young people—including two individuals with mental disabilities—the project was guided and trained by an Active Zone Outdoor coach, with three accompanying persons offering dedicated support to the target group.
Participants with and without mental disabilities engaged together in adapted, non-popular sports, including hiking, archery, climbing, dragon boat, boccia, beach sports, and wheelchair basketball. Led by specially trained coaches, the project allowed participants to step out of their comfort zones, overcome insecurities, and build physical fitness, self-awareness, and resilience.
Beyond sports, the project featured interactions with Special Olympics athletes and reflective sessions to process experiences. Through this shared participation, the project successfully fostered empathy, dismantled stereotypes, and promoted equal rights to social inclusion, while laying a sustainable foundation for lifelong physical activity.
Objectives
The primary objective of the "IncluME" Solidarity Project was to provide opportunities for physical activity and exercise tailored to the abilities, needs, and desires of adults with mental disabilities, ultimately enhancing their social integration and overall health.
Additionally, the specific objectives of the project included:
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Fostering Empathy: Cultivating empathy among project participants as well as the wider society through project promotion.
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Promoting Lifelong Exercise: Encouraging and supporting long-term, lifelong physical activity for individuals with mental disabilities.
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Promoting Special Olympics Athletes: Highlighting and showcasing athletes from the Special Olympics National Team of Cyprus.
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Talent Development: Identifying participants with mental disabilities who demonstrated athletic talent and supporting their progression to join the Special Olympics team.
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Improving Health: Enhancing both the mental and emotional well-being of individuals with mental disabilities.
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Raising Program Awareness: Promoting the European Solidarity Corps program within the local community and to the general public.
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Promoting Non-Popular Sports: Introducing and engaging participants in a wide variety of lesser-known, non-popular sports activities.
Activities
The "IncluME" project offered a diverse series of adapted, non-popular sports designed to promote inclusion, physical health, and personal growth for adults with and without mental disabilities.
Activities spanned outdoor and indoor sports—including hiking, horse riding, archery, swimming, bouldering, beach sports (beach tennis, beach handball), boccia, dragon boat, dance, rock climbing, bowling, treasure hunt, orienteering and wheelchair basketball—all led by specially trained coaches and support staff. Beyond sports, participants met and engaged with Special Olympics athletes, attended the opening ceremony of Special Olympic games, and took part in guided reflective sessions to express their thoughts and feelings.
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