Inclusion In and Through Sport: Youth Workers Exchange Programme in Rome, Italy
The International Youth Health Organization participated as a partner in the Youth Workers Exchange Programme on Inclusion In and Through Sport, held from 11–17 February 2026 in Rome, Italy. Coordinated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Türkiye within the Erasmus+ KA151 Youth Workers Mobility framework, the training brought together organizations from Türkiye, Italy, France, Spain, and Slovenia to strengthen youth workers’ capacity to use sport as an inclusive and empowering tool. The programme focused on building a shared understanding of inclusion, diversity, and disability, while equipping participants with practical methods to design and implement inclusive sport-based activities in their local contexts.
Here is a reflection from Pia Kavčič, a YHO participant in the training:
In February I had the opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ exchange in Rome as one of the volunteers of YHO. Seeing it as a great opportunity to exchange international experiences and perspectives with participants from Spain, Turkey, France and Italy, I set off on this journey together with another youth health advocate, Mojca.
The week-long program focused on inclusive sports practices as a method of engaging young people; not only those with physical impairments, but also underprivileged youth or young people facing other circumstances in which participation in sport could support their social inclusion, personal development and overall well-being. It is a topic that we all agreed is (too) often overlooked. Throughout the week, representatives of various organizations, such as OPES and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Turkey, introduced us to different perspectives and good practices in this field.
What did it look like in practice? Together, we explored the theoretical background of inclusion and the importance of involving young people in sports for their social and psychological well-being. OPES also presented the concept of the Special Olympics, and as part of the program, we attended a training session of blind young football players, where we could witness inclusive sport in action.
With other participants, we shared and discussed the advantages, challenges, and limitations of including people with physical, psychological, or other barriers in sports within each of our countries. We also took part in designing our own program, thinking about how a well-known sport could be adapted to accommodate different individual limitations and ensure broader participation. Throughout the program, we built new friendships and international connections, sharing experiences that I believe will contribute to greater awareness in each participating country. I am already looking forward to the next stages of the project and am truly grateful for this opportunity, which will remain a cherished memory for me.
