The Italian edition of SportWay 2025 took place on May 16th and 17th in Possagno (Italy), a picturesque town located in the foothills of the Veneto region, famously known as the birthplace of the neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova. More than just a venue, Possagno has become a symbol of cultural heritage and community engagement, and it provided a stunning and meaningful backdrop for a powerful, inclusive event.
This two-day initiative, which has reached its fifth edition under the established name 6InSuperAbile, marked a vibrant celebration of social inclusion through sport. The event featured an extensive programme of inclusive and adaptive sports disciplines, cultural experiences, and interactive workshops, all aimed at breaking down barriers and fostering a spirit of community and cooperation.
The 2025 edition exceeded all expectations, attracting over 1,000 participants across two days. These included students, athletes with and without disabilities, families, volunteers, educators, institutions, cultural and social organizations, and local and international stakeholders.
This year’s event was co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme, under the umbrella of the SportWay project, which brings together organizations from Italy, Slovenia, and Austria. The core mission of the project is to promote the values of inclusion, participation, accessibility, and active citizenship through sport, education, and transnational collaboration.
By integrating local heritage, European cooperation, and a bottom-up participatory model, the Italian edition of SportWay 2025 has reaffirmed its role as a leading model in Europe for inclusive sports-based initiatives. The project not only highlighted the potential of sport as a unifying force, but also offered concrete opportunities for skill development, community-building, and cross-border exchange of good practices.
In the following sections, this report will provide a detailed analysis of the event’s structure, participation figures, educational and cultural dimensions, international collaboration, and communication outcomes, all contributing to the broader impact of the SportWay initiative at both local and European levels.
A Two-Day Inclusive Celebration
The Italian edition of SportWay 2025 unfolded over two intense and emotionally rich days, each designed to maximize inclusion, intergenerational exchange, and full community involvement.
Friday, May 16 was primarily dedicated to younger participants, involving approximately 750 individuals, most of whom were primary and lower secondary school students from the Veneto region. These students were accompanied by teachers and guided through the activities by trained peer volunteers and professionals from participating associations. The day was structured around a rotation of inclusive sports disciplines and creative laboratories, ensuring that every group had the opportunity to explore multiple experiences. The focus was on experiential learning, collaboration, and empathy-building, providing a welcoming space for students of all abilities to play, learn, and interact.
Saturday, May 17, by contrast, was aimed at high school students, youth associations, families, and the general public, with an attendance of over 600 participants. This second day carried a more festive tone, featuring advanced-level inclusive sports demonstrations, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and public engagement activities. The format encouraged dialogue across generations, with young people working alongside adult volunteers and sports professionals to create a vibrant and participatory atmosphere. The culmination of the day was the much-anticipated “Third Half Celebration”, a shared social moment with music, food, and storytelling, designed to consolidate the relationships built throughout the event.
The success of both days was made possible by the dedicated involvement of 80 volunteers, a hallmark of the SportWay philosophy. These included 80 adult volunteers, with an average age of 50, many of whom came from local civic organizations, associations, and institutions, and 30 student volunteers, with an average age of 17, who had previously been introduced to inclusive sports through preparatory activities. These volunteers played crucial roles in logistics coordination, sports facilitation, participant guidance, translation support, and media documentation. Their commitment reflected the project’s core values of volunteerism, intergenerational solidarity, and grassroots empowerment.
Through the combination of structured programming, inclusive methodology, and community-based action, the two-day event effectively embodied the inclusive mission of SportWay—transforming sport into a practical and symbolic tool for equality, learning, and connection.
Participating Organizations and Stakeholder Engagement
One of the key strengths of SportWay Italy 2025 was the extraordinary breadth and depth of stakeholder involvement, which reflected a multi-level collaboration model between educational, sports, social, and cultural sectors. The event mobilized an extensive and diverse network of partners, many of whom were involved not only in the two-day programme but also in the preparatory activities, communication outreach, and educational follow-up. This synergy between institutions and communities created a shared ownership of the event, reinforcing the long-term sustainability of inclusion-focused practices.
Educational Institutions
A total of 10 schools and educational institutions from the Veneto region actively participated in the planning and implementation of the event. Their involvement ensured that students with and without disabilities were fully engaged in inclusive activities as both participants and peer facilitators. The schools also played a central role in disseminating information about the initiative to families and local communities.
The participating schools were:
- Istituto Comprensivo Pieve del Grappa
- Istituto E. di Sardagna di Castello di Godego
- Istituto Cavanis di Possagno
- ISISS Rosselli di Castelfranco Veneto
- ITSET Martini di Castelfranco Veneto
- Istituto Florence Nightingale di Castelfranco Veneto
- Istituto Maria Ausiliatrice di Montebelluna
- Scuole Bertolini di Montebelluna
- Istituto Comprensivo 1 di Montebelluna
- Istituto Comprensivo Quero-Vas
These institutions were instrumental in mobilizing over 1000 students, coordinating transport logistics, and supporting the integration of inclusive education principles into school curricula.
Sports Associations
27 sports associations were involved in the design and facilitation of inclusive sports disciplines during the event. These organizations provided their expertise in adaptive sports, coaching, and team-building, ensuring a professional and safe environment for all participants. Their presence allowed for real-time demonstrations, peer learning, and community engagement in a variety of disciplines.
Participating associations included:
- Pedemontana Volley
- Sportlife Montebelluna
- Sporting Life Centre
- Asolo Golf Club
- Oltre le Parole
- Intelligenza Animale Ass.
- Basketball School
- A.S.D. Karate Club Kanazawa
- Mine Vaganti
- Lupastri
- Padova Mixed Ability
- Lupi del Cansiglio
- Dragons
- 4Volponi
- Canguri d’Acciaio
- Il Branco
- Dolomitici
- I Passeri
- AnfassTV Blu Olimpia Postioma
- Ala Autismo Roncade
- VSP DiversAbili Vigontina
- Gruppo Sportivo Dinamis Paese
- VIP Clown
- A.S.D. Sport ASSI
- A.S.D. Arcieri del Piave
- UOEI Paratletica
- Abi Rugby
Each of these associations contributed directly to the success of the event, not only by leading activities but also by reinforcing the project’s values of fair play, respect, and equal opportunity.
Social Cooperatives
The inclusion of 6 social cooperatives ensured that the event addressed the needs of individuals with disabilities through a person-centered, rights-based approach. These organizations helped develop personalized support strategies, assisted with participant engagement, and co-designed some of the workshops and educational materials.
Participating cooperatives:
- Vita e Lavoro
- Rosa Canina
- Centro Atlantis
- Cooperativa Vallorgana
- Cooperativa Ali Valdobbiadene
- La Casa dei Sogni
Their involvement was crucial in bridging the gap between social care and community inclusion, enhancing accessibility and emotional safety throughout the programme.
Cultural Institutions
Recognizing that inclusion extends beyond sport, SportWay Italy 2025 integrated a rich cultural component through the collaboration with 5 key cultural institutions in the Veneto region. These institutions provided guided visits, inclusive artistic workshops, and interactive learning activities aimed at stimulating creativity and fostering cultural accessibility.
Cultural partners included:
- Museo Gypsotheca Antonio Canova (Possagno)
- Museo Casa Giorgione (Castelfranco Veneto)
- Conservatorio A. Steffani (Castelfranco Veneto)
- MEVE – Memoriale Veneto della Grande Guerra (Montebelluna)
- Fondazione Sportsystem (Montebelluna)
These organizations helped demonstrate how art, heritage, and history can serve as vehicles for participation and learning when designed with inclusivity in mind.
The Role of SportWay: Erasmus+ and European Expertise
The Italian edition of SportWay 2025 gained strategic depth and international relevance thanks to the active participation of 10 delegates from the project’s transnational partner organizations: 5 from Slovenia (Center Janeza Levca Ljubljana) and 5 from Austria (Verein für Aktiv Leben und Bildung). Their presence represented not only symbolic support, but also tangible contributions in terms of methodology, training, evaluation, and cross-cultural dialogue.
These delegates played a pivotal role in reinforcing the European dimension of the event by engaging in a wide range of activities, including:
- Leading and co-facilitating workshops on best practices in inclusive sport
- Participating in feedback sessions and exchange groups with Italian partners and volunteers
- Contributing to monitoring and evaluation tools that will inform the final project guidelines
- Sharing experiences from their national contexts, including examples of adaptive methodologies, volunteer engagement frameworks, and community integration models
Their expertise was highly appreciated by local actors, particularly schools, cooperatives, and sports associations, who gained new insights into how different national systems approach the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport and education. The peer-to-peer learning dimension proved to be extremely valuable, especially for younger Italian volunteers who had the opportunity to engage in informal conversations with international experts throughout the event.
The Italian event clearly demonstrated the added value of a transnational and Erasmus+-funded approach, where collaboration across borders leads to a broader impact, innovation, and mutual growth. SportWay is not just a series of local activities—it is a shared European journey of transformation through inclusion.
As outlined in the SportWay brochure and on the official website www.sportwayproject.eu, the project pursues the following overarching objectives:
- To promote inclusive participation in sport, ensuring access for people with physical, intellectual, sensory, and relational disabilities, as well as other marginalized groups
- To encourage volunteering among youth and people from disadvantaged backgrounds, by empowering them with soft skills, confidence, and practical experience in the field
- To raise awareness among institutions, stakeholders, and citizens about how sport can serve as a powerful tool for inclusion, integration, and community resilience
By integrating local know-how with European expertise, SportWay Italy 2025 became a living example of Erasmus+ in action: building bridges, promoting values, and generating change across multiple layers of society.
Activities and Highlights
The two-day programme of SportWay Italy 2025 offered an exceptionally rich and carefully curated mix of inclusive sports activities, cultural experiences, and educational workshops designed to engage participants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The structure of the event followed an inclusive and experiential learning approach, encouraging both active participation and emotional connection through movement, creativity, and dialogue.
Inclusive Sports Disciplines
The sports component was the heart of the event, featuring over a dozen inclusive and adaptive disciplines made accessible through the collaboration of expert coaches, educators, and volunteers. Activities were organized in rotating circuits, allowing groups of participants to experience multiple sports throughout the day. Each discipline was adapted as needed to ensure the full participation of individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities, alongside their peers and classmates.
The sports disciplines included:
- Inclusive 5-a-side football: adapted to ensure participation of wheelchair users and players with cognitive disabilities (Spacial Olympics)
- Para-karate: led by inclusive martial arts instructors, focusing on self-regulation, respect, and confidence
- Table tennis: accessible to all through modified rules and adapted equipment
- Baskin: a mixed-ability version of basketball with specific roles for players with and without disabilities
- Adaptive archery: hosted with the support of trained safety professionals and therapists
- Inclusive volleyball and mini-basket: modified team sports emphasizing teamwork and non-verbal communication
- Golf and paragolf: hosted at nearby facilities and brought on-site with interactive simulation tools
- Pet therapy sessions: conducted with therapy animals to support emotional well-being and relational engagement
- Pickleball: an emerging inclusive racket sport enjoyed by participants across age groups
The diversity of disciplines not only ensured maximum participation, but also allowed participants to discover new interests, challenge stereotypes, and develop mutual respect through collaborative play.
Cultural and Creative Workshops
Recognizing that inclusion extends beyond sport, the event also integrated a strong cultural and educational dimension, thanks to partnerships with some of the most important cultural institutions of the area. These workshops promoted access to heritage and creative expression as tools for social inclusion.
Workshops and guided visits took place at:
- Gypsotheca Antonio Canova in Possagno, with hands-on sculpture interpretation activities tailored for people with visual or cognitive impairments
- Museo Casa Giorgione in Castelfranco Veneto, which hosted interactive storytelling workshops on the theme of artistic identity
- Museo dello Scarpone e della Calzatura Sportiva in Montebelluna, offering insight into the intersection between sport, design, and accessibility
- Fondazione Sportsystem, which provided multimedia tours and educational labs on innovation and inclusivity in sport equipment
All cultural experiences were designed following universal design principles and were led by educators trained in working with mixed-ability groups. Materials and communication styles were adapted to ensure comprehension and engagement across linguistic and cognitive levels.
Fair Play Cup – A Moment of Shared Emotion
Among the many memorable experiences of the event, one moment stood out as particularly emotional and symbolic: the awarding of the Fair Play Cup, which took place on Saturday, May 17. The recognition was presented to the Abi Rugby team, whose members—athletes with and without disabilities—embodied the true spirit of the SportWay project.
The team was commended for their:
- Outstanding support and inclusion of peers with special needs
- Continuous demonstration of respect, encouragement, and collaboration
- Active engagement in both sporting and social aspects of the event
This award ceremony, held in front of the international delegations and hundreds of participants, served as a powerful reminder that inclusion is not only about participation—it is also about values. It brought many to tears and sparked heartfelt applause, marking a highlight that will be remembered well beyond the closing of the event.
Massive Media Coverage
The wide-scale success and societal resonance of SportWay Italy 2025 – 6InSuperAbile were significantly amplified through extensive media coverage, both locally and nationally. Major news outlets, regional newspapers, television stations, and digital platforms highlighted the event, helping to disseminate its values of inclusion and community participation to a broader audience.
Below is an overview of the main press and media articles, each offering a different perspective on the two-day celebration:
- Treviso Today
📌 “6InSuperAbile, seconda giornata agli impianti sportivi del Cavanis con circa 600 ragazzi”
🔗 Read article
This article focuses on the second day of the event, highlighting the presence of over 600 students and the emotional atmosphere created by the sports and musical activities. It also underscores the importance of inclusive education and youth involvement. - CheSport.info
📌 “6InSuperAbile: due giornate di inclusione all’insegna dello sport”
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An in-depth report covering both days of the event, detailing the structure of activities, the involvement of over 80 volunteers, and the role of European delegations in promoting inclusive practices. - Virgilio Notizie – Treviso
📌 “6InSuperAbile, seconda giornata agli impianti sportivi del Cavanis con circa 600 ragazzi”
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A syndicated version of the Treviso Today article that reinforces the event’s regional reach, emphasizing its intergenerational and inclusive scope. - Oggi Treviso
📌 “6InSuperAbile: le giornate dell’inclusione”
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A concise piece summarizing the themes of inclusion, sport, and community. It features quotes from teachers and participants and praises the effort to bring together schools and associations. - QDPNews
📌 “Partita la due giorni dell’inclusione: ‘Voi esaltate il valore della vita’”
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One of the most impactful articles, featuring institutional voices and emphasizing the ethical and civic dimension of the event. It includes reflections from regional leaders and organizers. - Il Gazzettino
📌 “Zaia: ‘6InSuperAbile, esempio per tutto il Veneto’”
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The regional newspaper Il Gazzettino highlights the remarks of President Luca Zaia, who described the event as a model for Veneto and beyond. The article underlines the significance of institutional support. - La Piazza Web
📌 “Torna a Possagno 6InSuperAbile, il festival dello sport e dell’inclusione”
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A preview article published ahead of the event, focusing on the structure of the programme and the objectives of inclusion through sport, music, and art. - YouTube – Interview with Governor Luca Zaia
📌 “Luca Zaia speaks about the values of 6InSuperAbile”
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In this short interview, Governor Zaia emphasizes the importance of initiatives like 6InSuperAbile for the social development of the region and their alignment with institutional goals on inclusion. - YouTube – QDPNews TV Coverage
📌 “6InSuperAbile 2025 – Highlights and Voices from Possagno”
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A video report showing key moments from both days, including interviews with organizers, students, and international partners. It provides visual evidence of the event’s impact. - TVA Vicenza
📌 “Bassano Notizie – Speciale 6InSuperAbile”
🔗 Watch segment
This television segment features a dedicated spotlight on the event, broadcast during the evening news. It shows footage from the venue, testimonials, and background on the SportWay project.
Conclusion
SportWay Italy 2025 – 6InSuperAbile has conclusively demonstrated that inclusive sport transcends barriers, builds community, and plants the seeds of long-term social change. In Possagno’s two-day celebration of diversity and movement, it truly felt like “everyone has a role to play in the mosaic of inclusion” – people of all ages and abilities came together on equal footing, proving that sport can unite where differences often divide. Physical, social, and cultural barriers gave way to bonds of friendship and understanding, as participants discovered new strengths in themselves and others. As the organizers emphasized, “inclusion is not a finish line, but a journey we build together through shared experiences” – a journey that this event has advanced in profound ways.
The emotional and practical impact of 6InSuperAbile is evident in the voices of those who took part. One teacher observed, “I saw my students break down barriers and form real friendships in just two days,” highlighting how quickly inclusive play can transform attitudes in a classroom and beyond. A student athlete shared that “for once, I felt like my abilities, not my disabilities, were front and center – I had a team that believed in me.” This sentiment illustrates the confidence and sense of belonging fostered on the field. Volunteers and international guests were equally moved; “Volunteering at 6InSuperAbile opened my eyes to what true inclusion looks like in practice,” said one youth volunteer, while a delegate from Slovenia remarked that the event “embodies the best of European cooperation on inclusion – we will carry these lessons home.” Such reflections underscore not only the personal growth sparked during the event, but also the wider ripple effects on all involved.
At a broader level, the success of 6InSuperAbile resonates deeply with the European Union’s strategies on social inclusion, equality, and youth empowerment. By empowering marginalized young people and promoting equal participation for all, the event reinforced key EU priorities of volunteerism, active citizenship, and equal opportunities. Indeed, this Italian event’s achievements contribute directly to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underlining its global significance:
- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Promoted physical activity and mental well-being through inclusive sports, encouraging healthy lifestyles and joy in movement for all participants.
- SDG 4 (Quality Education): Complemented formal education with non-formal learning experiences, as inclusive sports workshops taught young people values of teamwork, respect, and leadership in a real-world setting.
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Actively reduced social gaps by including individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds on equal terms, empowering them to shine and fostering empathy among peers.
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Exemplified partnership in action by uniting schools, NGOs, local authorities and European partners in a common mission, building a transnational network dedicated to inclusion and shared best practices.
As a result of SportWay Italy 2025 – 6InSuperAbile, several concrete outcomes have been achieved:
- New partnerships: The event forged strong new collaborations among schools, sports clubs, disability organizations, and local institutions – as well as between Italian hosts and their Slovenian and Austrian counterparts – creating a network of partners committed to continuing this inclusive mission beyond the project.
- Community engagement: Hundreds of students, educators, families, and volunteers from the local community actively participated, turning the event into a festival of inclusion. This deep engagement strengthened community bonds, raised awareness about disability and inclusion, and inspired many to volunteer and support inclusive sports initiatives in the future.
- Best practices in inclusive sports education: SportWay Italy 2025 identified and showcased effective methods for inclusive sports education – from adaptive training techniques and mixed-ability team games to inclusive workshop facilitation. These best practices provide a model that can be replicated by educators and coaches across Europe, integrating inclusion into physical education and youth sports programs.
- Visibility of the SportWay mission: The visibility of SportWay’s mission – sport for all – was greatly amplified. Through local media coverage, social media campaigns, and endorsements by public authorities, the event drew wide attention to the value of inclusive sport. This heightened profile has not only increased public support for such initiatives but also positioned SportWay as a reference point for inclusion in sport at the regional and European level.
Looking ahead, the SportWay partnership will capitalize on these achievements and lessons learned through several next steps:
- Informing future editions: The experience from Possagno will inform future editions of SportWay in each partner country. Building on what worked best, the next events in Slovenia, Austria, and beyond will be even more inclusive and impactful, ensuring that the legacy of 6InSuperAbile continues to grow.
- Guidelines and knowledge resources: The consortium is drafting comprehensive guidelines (a practical “inclusive sports handbook”) based on the best practices and insights gathered. These resources will be shared with schools, sports associations, and policymakers across Europe, so that the successful approaches of 6InSuperAbile can be adapted and adopted widely to benefit other communities.
- Ongoing knowledge sharing: Partner countries will continue to exchange knowledge and collaborate closely beyond this event. Through follow-up meetings, workshops, and EU-wide dissemination activities, the SportWay team will share outcomes and experiences, ensuring that the momentum for inclusion is sustained. This cross-border cooperation will strengthen the European community of practice in inclusive sports, exemplifying the spirit of SDG 17 in the long run.
SportWay Italy 2025 – 6InSuperAbile leaves a powerful legacy and a clear roadmap for the future. It showed that a shared passion for sport can ignite social change, turning idealism into action on the ground. The event not only changed lives over one weekend, but also set in motion a lasting movement aligned with European values and global goals. As the event’s own rallying call affirmed, “Together, we move beyond limits – because inclusion starts with action.”. This pledge will continue to guide SportWay’s mission, ensuring that the journey of inclusion through sport keeps moving forward, united and unstoppable.
