Supporting the participation of children and youth with developmental disabilities in sailing (SailAway)

Background Sport and physical activity have multiple benefits for individuals.Even more children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), although they could be highly benefited from engaging with sports, they are usually less physically active than neurotypical children. Τhe project SailAway targeted sailing clubs, professionals and families with children and youth with ASD in 6 EU countries, in order to promote sailing as a sustainable and attractive solution to youth and children with ASD. Objectives The specific aims of the project were:•Building the capacities and skills of sailing coaches/instructors on inclusive coaching environments •Enhancing the awareness of sailing clubs on providing inclusive sailing activities •Enhancing the awareness of parents of children with ASD/intellectual disabilities on the benefits, possibilities of and access to sailing programmes•Increasing access to sailing activities for children and youth with ASD/intellectual disabilities Implementation During the implementation we: -Reached 186 sport trainers in 6 countries and trained them-Conducted 106 interviews and collected 31 questionnaires from families-Published 2 guides, 2 leaflets, 2 infographics and 6 comprehensive modules -Cooperated with 9 sailing clubs in the 6 participating countries -Reached and informed more than 350,000 people and stakeholders across the EU-Gave the opportunity to 15 children in 3 countries to participate in sailing courses and joy rides Achievements - A capacity building program (CBP) for sailing professionals on how to include people with ASD- A guide for sailing clubs on how to include children and youth with ASD in their activities- An e-learning platform to serve as an online tool for sailing professionals - An awareness raising toolkit targeting sailing clubs and families of children and youth with autism spectrum disorders- Implementation of sailing courses and joy rides for children and youth with ASD