On 14 October 2025, the first webinar of the joint European Union - Council of Europe project entitled ‘Training and development of Para sport coaches, referees and managers’ took place, as part of the initiative ‘Sport For All: Promoting Inclusion and Combating Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities’.
Alexandros Brousiakis, representative of Panathlon International, attended the meeting as an observer and drew up a detailed report on the content discussed.
The ‘Sport For All’ project (March 2025 - August 2026) aims to promote a more inclusive sports culture by combating discrimination and barriers that still limit the participation of people with disabilities and encouraging welcoming and safe sports environments for all.
The official project page can be found at the following link: https://pjp-eu.coe.int/en/web/sport-for-all
The webinar, held in English, brought together researchers, institutional representatives, international organisations, sports federations and grassroots operators – including coaches, referees and managers – to share experiences and good practices, present research and discuss how to bridge the gap between policies and local realities.
The official project page can be found at the following link: https://pjp-eu.coe.int/en/web/sport-for-all
The webinar, held in English, brought together researchers, institutional representatives, international organisations, sports federations and grassroots operators – including coaches, referees and managers – to share experiences and good practices, present research and discuss how to bridge the gap between policies and local realities.
The proceedings were opened by Stanislas Frossard, Head of the Sport Division and Executive Secretary of EPAS at the Council of Europe, who recalled that sport must be “ethical, inclusive and safe, not only in words but also in deeds”.
Among the most significant speeches were those by Philipp Müller-Wirth (UNESCO), Apolline Poas (triathlon referee), Allan Dineen (University of Limerick), Miroslaw Krogulec (Special Olympics Europe Eurasia), Päivi Tolppanen (Finnish Paralympic Committee) and Ivo Quendera (European Paralympic Committee).
All emphasised the need to invest in training and networking to make sport increasingly inclusive, accessible and respectful of diversity.
As Alexandros Brousiakis' report shows, the meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening the link between political and institutional commitment and everyday practices, promoting cooperation between grassroots sports organisations and international bodies.
A message that resonates deeply with the values of Panathlon International, which has always promoted inclusion and respect in sport.
