As part of the European Week of Sport, ACTIVE Austria organized the SportWay event on Friday, 26 September, at Posthalle Wien in Vienna. Starting at 9:00 a.m., the hall welcomed around 300 participants, including approximately 250 children from seven local schools in Vienna and three institutions working with children and people with disabilities.
The morning program offered a wide range of sporting activities, with 12 workshops introducing children to different disciplines. From karate(Shōtōkan Karate-Dō Wien), artistic gymnastics (Jöös Gymnastics), and cheerleading to coordination and movement games (Kids in Motion), Tabata (Champions Factory), and dance, the program gave participants the chance to try something new. Several activities were designed with a strong inclusive component, such as boccia, (Österreichischer Behindertensportverband), sitting volleyball, blind football, and a blind obstacle course. A first-aid workshop organsined by the youth section of the Red Cross (Wiener Jugendrotkreutz) complemented the program by giving children practical knowledge beyond the sports field.
Two fair play tournaments were the competitive highlight of the day. Supported by Vienna United Basketball Club and Sokol Volleyball Club, the tournaments emphasized respect, teamwork, and fairness over results. Players were rewarded for fair play rather than just points, giving young athletes a tangible experience of sportsmanship.
After the activities with children, a conference gathered volunteers, partners, and stakeholders. Coordinated by ACTIVE Austria, it showcased the SportWay project, inclusive initiatives, and previous events in Italy and Slovenia. A roundtable discussion followed with Christian Schüchner from Vienna United Basketball, the Director of International Affairs at Zero Project Robim Tim Weis, Brigitte Hirschegger representing Kids in Motion organisation, and Jakob Schott from Play Together Noworganisation, focusing on Inclusive Sports in Practice—how to scale, innovate, and adapt to local needs. The day concluded with a networking lunch and informal exchange.
A key factor behind the success of the event was the commitment of volunteers. Support came from international teams from Croatia, Bulgaria, and Spain, from official project partners in Slovenia and Italy, and from local young people and students in Vienna. They contributed to every stage of the event—preparations, implementation, and follow-up—showcasing volunteering as one of SportWay’s core pillars.
Throughout the day, SportWay’s three pillars—inclusion, volunteering, and fair play—were reflected in every activity. All workshops were designed to be accessible to children of all abilities and backgrounds, while the tournaments encouraged teamwork and tolerance.
The event gained visibility through national media coverage by ORF and was supported by sponsors Ströck Bakery and Vitamin Well, whose contributions added to its success.
Bringing together schools, sports clubs, institutions, and volunteers, the SportWay event in Vienna demonstrated how inclusive grassroots sport can create lasting connections. For children, it was a day of play and discovery; for the wider community, a reminder of how inclusion and fair play can truly come to life through sport.
