Sports as a Tool for Empowerment of (Dis)Abled & Displaced Youth

Background According to Eurostat, in 2021, asylum seekers came from around 140 countries. 630,500 applications were lodged in the EU in 2021. The majority of disabled people face poverty and discrimination. However, disabled refugees face double vulnerability: "They are among the most marginalized in an already disposed group". Objectives Vision of STEADY is to increase sports participation of Displaced Youth w/ Disabilities (DYD) by promoting volunteering & equal access of DYD to organized/grassroots sport. It focuses on changing the paradigm, bringing DYD from margins to become integral members of sporting community. It promotes voluntary activities in sport, social inclusion, equal opportunities & awareness of importance of health-enhancing physical activity, through increased participation in & equal access to sport for all. Implementation STEADY project was carried out as described in the work plan. In the 1st phase, the requirements that are associated with a project result were specified as clearly as possible and everything that would be needed to implement the project was arranged. The project took shape during the implementation phase. This phase involved the construction of the actual project result. The follow-up phase included writing handbooks, providing instruction, maintaining the result, evaluating the project itself. Achievements STEADY mobilized a trans-European network of more than 272 contacts for increased transnational dialogue between stakeholders. The activities both of research & of pilot actions took place in all partner countries, while the manual & the handbook were issued in 8 languages & are open to be used. On the basis of the findings & conclusions emerging from the project, partners formulated policy recommendations. Good practices stemming from pilot actions are promoted by other stakeholders.