The Council of Europe and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring equal access to sport as a fundamental right, tackling discrimination against persons with disabilities in sport, and advancing inclusive and accessible sporting environments across Europe and beyond. This was the key result of the joint project “Sport for all: promoting inclusion and combating discrimination against persons with disabilities”.
The event, held in Strasbourg on 23–24 June 2026, brought together athletes, experts, policymakers, and representatives from sports organisations across Europe, was opened by Gianluca Esposito, Director General of human rights and the rule of law of the Council of Europe, and Dora Schaffrin, deputy to the head of the European Union Delegation to the Council of Europe.
New toolkit to deal with disability in sport
“Disabilities can be visible or invisible. Breaking down barriers that limit their access to sport and physical activity takes more than political commitment. It requires action, partnership and persistence. That is why initiatives such as Sport for All matter: they turn commitments into lasting change,” said Gianluca Esposito Director General, Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law, Council of Europe.
One of the key outcomes of the project was the launch of the “Sport for all educational toolkit” for a wide range of people working or volunteering in sport with the aim to address common challenges such as accessible facilities, staff training, funding, coordination, and participation pathways.
Other achievements of the project include capacity-building activities, especially in the eight project countries (Armenia, Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine), recommendations and a comprehensive analytical report addressing para-sport systems.
The event featured live demonstrations of para-fencing and blind football, including the official draw for the European Blind Football Championships 2026. These activities showcased the diversity and excellence of inclusive sport, while providing participants with the opportunity to experience inclusive sport firsthand.
