ENCOURAGING THE SOCIAL INCLUSION OF YOUTH WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES THROUGH SPORTS

Background The lack of pursuing good leadership principles at the partner level until today has deeply affected the members, mainly clubs, players, coaches, and game officials, who train, compete and work in an environment defined by less than satisfactory level of integrity, organizational resilience, transparency, ethical standards, accountability and inclusivity. Project helped directly or indirectly demonstrate reduce gap between existing leadership and good leadership practices. Objectives •encourage social inclusion and equal opportunities in sport•project has focuses on changing the paradigm, bringing children with disabilities from the margins to become integral members of the sporting community.•to increase the sport participation of children with a disability, and thereby to increase the social inclusion of this group.•Strategic planning social inclusion and equal opportunities to improve management and activities in sport•Promote opportunities and innovative programs Implementation In the first part, we assessed the current state through a benchmark analysis and identified best practices to follow. In the second part, we conducted activities to raise awareness of the need for good governance, educate people about important aspects of governance, and provide practical tools for development initiatives. In the third part, we provided content and activities to key stakeholders to enable them to improve their overall behaviour and their individual roles. Achievements We do not underestimate how long it will take for the results to translate into new policies, practices and an overall better functioning sports ecosystem for all members. However, we are convinced that the project has given hundreds of participants unprecedented access to expert knowledge and lectures. Thanks to this project, they are now better informed, trained, empowered and motivated to support the development of sports in the region in the years to come.