J4all - Judo for all: inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in judo

According to the UN, in 2018 more than 1 billion people in the world live with some form of disability, from which around 80 million in the EU. In the EU, these numbers of persons with disabilities (PwD) are equivalent to almost 18 % of the total population. Research studies have shown that Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PwID) have a higher probability of being subject to socioeconomic disadvantages such as discrimination, poverty, fewer educational opportunities, healthcare, etc, leading to their exclusion and marginalization with severe consequences to their lives. These disadvantages are present in the field of sports as well. The EU Barometer survey from 2018 states that disability or illness is the third most commonly mentioned reason for not practicing sports regularly. 14 % of the EU citizens do not practice sports due to these reasons. For these reasons, this project addresses the horizontal priority of the Erasmus + inclusion and diversity by involving PwID as persons with fewer opportunities in judo, thus creating an inclusive methodology and program for their equal participation in sports. On the other hand, the project encourages the partner organizations and clubs to create inclusive judo programs for PwID so as to be more open and supportive towards the PwID, and contribute towards awareness-raising for inclusive sports. The intervention is in harmony with the Erasmus + program and the Inclusion and Diversity Strategy and the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 by strengthening the participation of PwD in sports, pursuing cooperation with mainstream and disability-specific sports organizations at all levels. Specifically, in the field of sport, this intervention goes in line with the Work Plan for Sport and the Council Recommendations on HEPA, towards the creation of barrier-free Europe.