In a remarkable event held at the European Parliament, hosted by MEP Chiara Gemma, the Sacree project celebrated its achievements in promoting inclusion through sports for autistic people. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm as project partners, invited experts, and key stakeholders assembled to highlight the project’s impact and discuss the importance of accessibility in sports.
Sacree’s research has brought to light a significant point: over 75% of autistic people report limited access to sports due to a lack of accommodation or welcoming organisations. This reality stresses the urgent need for initiatives like Sacree, which has developed a person-centred model to ensure everyone can participate and thrive in the world of sports.
The event showcased the project’s scientific research and its encouraging results. Partners shared compelling evidence of the positive impact of sports on autistic individuals, demonstrating their ability to foster acceptance and community inclusion by dismantling discrimination and misunderstandings. The project’s journey since June 2022 has been instrumental in addressing the previously limited research in the intersection of sports and autism, marking a significant contribution to the field.
Key figures in the world of sports, including Christo Velkov from Special Olympics, autistic trainer Jean Philippe Piat, and Paralympic swimming champion Marc Evers, shared their insights and experiences. They emphasised that Sacree’s results offer a powerful framework for fostering inclusion in sports, highlighting the transformative potential of this project. The discussions and concluding remarks by Autism-Europe and MEP Chiara Gemma reinforced the importance of sustained efforts to create a more inclusive sporting landscape for all.
Discover the main tools developed by Sacree:
- A one-hour e-learning course to raise awareness of autism in the sports sector: Sacree E-learning
- A guide to help the sports sector welcome autistic people: Guide for the Sport Sector
- A guide to help autistic people choose a sport: Guide for Autistic People.
- A Model Sports Programme.
Visit Sacree’s website for more information.