Sitting Volleyball for Inclusion and Well-being (SIVO)
Project Overview
The project “Sitting Volleyball for Inclusion and Well-being (SIVO)” is implemented under the Erasmus+ Sport programme as a Lump Sum Grant project. It is coordinated by the University of Verona (Italy) and has a total duration of 24 months. The project brings together international partners to promote inclusive sports practices across Europe.
Project Description
SIVO is an Erasmus+ Sport project that promotes sitting volleyball as an innovative and inclusive sport. It aims to create equal opportunities for individuals with and without disabilities to participate in sports activities. Through this approach, the project seeks to break down social barriers and enhance both physical and psychological well-being.
Objectives
The main objective of the SIVO project is to promote inclusion through sport by improving access and participation for individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the project aims to strengthen the capacities of sports organizations, trainers, and coaches to deliver inclusive activities, while also increasing the active involvement of individuals with physical and motor disabilities in sports events and activities.
Target Group
The project primarily targets individuals with physical and motor disabilities, as well as sports organizations, trainers, and coaches. In addition, local communities and stakeholders in the sports sector are also involved, ensuring a broader social impact and awareness of inclusive practices.
Activities
The project includes several key activities such as conducting research and needs analysis in partner countries, developing an Educational Programme consisting of eight modules, and organizing training sessions for coaches and trainers. In addition, local sitting volleyball tournaments will be held to test the developed methodologies, and a comprehensive Sport Event Toolkit will be created to support inclusive event organization.
Partners
The SIVO project is implemented by an international consortium of four organizations. The coordinating institution is the University of Verona (Italy), working in collaboration with NGO NEST Berlin (Germany), AETOI Thessalonikis (Greece), and Gülümse Sports Club (Türkiye). Each partner contributes its expertise in sports, education, and inclusion.
Participating Countries
The project involves four European countries: Italy, Germany, Greece, and Türkiye. This transnational cooperation ensures knowledge exchange, cultural diversity, and the development of solutions that can be applied across different contexts in Europe.
Timeline
The SIVO project is planned over a period of 24 months, starting in 2024. The implementation is structured in several phases, including research, development of educational content, testing through local activities, and final dissemination of results. This structured timeline ensures the effective achievement of project objectives.
Results / Outputs
The project will produce several important outputs, including an Educational Programme designed to train coaches and organizations in inclusive sports practices, as well as a Sport Event Toolkit that provides practical guidelines for organizing inclusive activities. Additionally, reports, training materials, and increased awareness of inclusive sports will contribute to long-term impact.
Dissemination
Dissemination activities will play a key role in ensuring the sustainability and impact of the project. These will include social media campaigns, updates on project websites, local events, and the sharing of results with stakeholders across Europe. The aim is to maximize visibility and encourage the adoption of inclusive sports practices beyond the project partnership.