SPORT FOR EVERYONE

The theme of inclusion in sport has often been considered a purely “architectonic” issue, reduced to a consideration of the physical barriers and lack of access that people with disabilities face. This is clearly only one of the many aspects that we should be focusing our attention on.

The real fundamental and strategic value that is encapsulated in the principle of “inclusiveness” with regard to sport runs much deeper and wider, and can be summarized as follows: “every single individual should be given the opportunity to practice a sport”.

Things are not always so cut and dried, and the physical barriers previously mentioned are undoubtedly pertinent, but the issue also and most especially concerns those who do not have the economic possibilities to attend summer camps or sign up to join swimming pools, not to mention the obstacles presented to those who wish to participate in a non-stereotypical type of sport, and relates to other more subtle kinds of “exclusion” such as, for example, those affecting young people who may be less talented. However, there is also an aspect that is often not talked about with due attention, namely the concrete and viable possibility of sport becoming a real educational tool which is fundamental in promoting social inclusion at all levels. The concept is based on adopting sport as a powerful means for helping young and even very young people understand that our existence in the world involves “doing things with other people”, regardless of how they have been raised, how they speak and how they behave. In essence, bringing up generations of children who are naturally inclined towards inclusion and apply this credo by playing or practicing sports together can help transmit this message in a very effective and perhaps even more straightforward fashion.

For sporting activities that are accessible to everyone and that respect the aspirations and abilities of every individual, the core value to be emphasized here is one of acceptance. Acceptance signifies competitive sports that are available to all, whatever the individual’s level of talent, ability or physical fitness. A sport’s center should always offer each and every person entering their doors the opportunity to experience firsthand the human values that are intrinsic to sport and help every participant develop as a whole: this includes making sacrifices, being committed, experiencing suffering, joy, hope, anticipation, satisfaction, having a desire to improve, being determined to achieve a goal, being capable of change and sharing emotions, etc. All of these elements can be present in a competitive environment where everyone is able to challenge themselves and other people, and there is a real possibility of obtaining a positive outcome. This opportunity physically takes place in facilities that are suitable for all types of athlete, with high-quality instructors available for all participants and a range of sports activities that are suitable for every athletic level.

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