EUropean Games of Integrated Fencing

EUropean Games of Integrated Fencing (EU.GIF) intends to support, enhance and promote the fundamental role that sport can play for young people and people with disabilities with regard to integration, social inclusion, personal development and growth and active citizenship, with the aim of creating more integrated and cohesive societies. Project organized a major sport event of integrated fencing involving able-bodied and disabled young athletes, coming from 13 European countries: Italy, Sweden, Hungary, UK, Croatia, Spain, Greece, Germany, France, Bulgaria, Romania, Finland, Poland. Project involved directly more than 160 people including also referees and volunteers for supporting the Games organization. The young athletes and the technical staff (126 totally = 83 Athletes + 42 technical Staff) participated in various sporting events and educational initiatives (Games, Athletic trainings, Seminars, social events) under the theme of "sport for all", promoting the participation of disabled people and guaranteeing the organization of disability-specific ones, with the strategic purpose of enhancing participation, education, equality and social protection in the field of sport. The main activities implemented were:-4th Sept. 2018 - The event was officially launched with a Public Ceremony [A4.3/ D4.3.2] along the Historical Centre of Jesi. All Federation were presented and introduced. The Official Opening Ceremony (Launching Event) reached more than 5.000 citizens at all.-4th/5th/6th Sept. 2018 – [A.1.2] - 3 Full days of Training sessions were organized for all athletes. Technical program was prepared by the Italian National Staff of Fencing who also lead the training sessions for all Atheltes.-7th/8th Sept. 2018 – [A.1.2] - 2 days of Integrated Fencing Games were organized. The event were organized by the Municipality of Jesi with the technical support of the FIS. Around 160 people involved including atlethes, Staff, referees, volunteers, municipality staff, etc.-6th/7th/8th Sept. 2018 – 3 Seminars were organized along the event week: (WS1) “ If sport makes Europe” - participants = 80; (WS2) “Sport and Economics a “Perfect Duo” “ - participants = 60; (WS3) “Sport and Disability: going beyond the barriers.” - participants = around 400-Guided tours to all Historical Museums and buildings were organized for all participants. More thank 200 people involved, 150 people reached-From the 1st Sept. 2018 (still open) – the Photo Exhibition “A Cutting Edge Story” has been presented at Palazzo dei Convegni. It is An exhibition itinerary through the protagonists and the victories that have marked the Jesi fencing history. An opportunity to cover the most important stages of this sport, which arrived in the city by the will of Ezio Triccoli, that has been able to step up Jesi several times on the podium. Around 8.000 visits during the EUGIF week.- 4 Follow up events for different targets: (1) Politicians, Technicians and Sport Institutions in Rome (13 Sept. 2018 / 40 attendees); (2) EUGIF for Schools and Young People (30 Oct. in Jesi) / 70 attendees ; (3) EUGIF for Citizens (18 Dec. 2018 in Jesi City Hall/ 40 attendees); EUGIF for Sport Associations (6th October / 50 attendees / CONI MARCHE Head Quarter).The project supported the creation of virtuous cooperation among institutions, associations and individuals active in sports and social field to search for the best result through the sporting, recreational and cultural dimension. At the same time, through different communication and dissemination activities and events the project provided an opportunity for increasing awareness of Citizens of the value of sport and physical activity in promoting social inclusion, on the EU dimension of sport and on existing strategies. Totally around 30.000 people were reached by the project communication activities/events.