Stride & Glide is a European project running through 2025-2027 that aims to make sport and physical activity more accessible to people with disabilities. Through inclusive running, swimming, hiking and various other sport activities, the project supports participation, well-being, and social inclusion — while also strengthening the skills of professionals and organisations working in sport.
By combining training, research, accessible equipment, and international cooperation, Stride & Glide works towards removing barriers and creating environments where everyone can enjoy being active, regardless of ability.
Project Objectives
Stride & Glide focuses on building long-term change through sport. The project aims to:
🏃♀️ Increase participation in sport for people with disabilities by creating accessible and inclusive activities
🤝 Promote social inclusion and non-discrimination through sport and physical activity
🎓 Train coaches, staff, and volunteers to confidently work in inclusive sport settings
🏟️ Improve accessibility of sport facilities and events, reducing physical and organisational barriers
🌍 Strengthen cooperation across countries, sharing good practices and experiences
📣 Raise awareness about the benefits of inclusive sport for individuals and communities
Project Results
The project officially kicked off with a Kick-off Meeting in Sarajevo, bringing all partner organisations together. During the meeting, partners aligned on project goals, roles, timelines, and priorities, and discussed how to ensure meaningful impact across all participating countries.
The project has completed its initial research phase, which included:
- collecting survey responses on barriers to inclusive sport
- conducting interviews to better understand national and local challenges
- preparing a literature review to ground project activities in existing research and best practices
Following the initial research phase, the consortium has now published the first international research report developed within the project. The publication explores barriers, opportunities, and existing policies connected to inclusive sport participation across partner countries, with a focus on activities such as running, hiking, and swimming. The research highlights the importance of accessible infrastructure, trained professionals, adapted equipment, and supportive environments that enable people with disabilities to participate more actively in sport and community life.
The report will serve as an important foundation for the next stages of the project, including upcoming trainings, inclusive sport events, workshops, and educational resources developed within Stride & Glide.
What’s Next
In the coming phases, Stride & Glide will focus on practical action and capacity building, including:
- Delivering training programmes for coaches, staff, and volunteers on inclusive and adaptive sport
- Organising inclusive sport events in partner countries, enabling people with disabilities to participate in running, swimming, hiking and other sport activities
- Improving accessibility through equipment provision and venue adaptations
- Hosting an international seminar in Lisbon (Portugal) to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen cooperation
- Developing open educational and digital resources to support long-term impact beyond the project duration
Project Partners
Stride & Glide is implemented by a diverse European partnership bringing together organisations from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Portugal, Montenegro, and Austria. The project is coordinated by Savez za sport i rekreaciju Federacije BiH (Bosnia and Herzegovina), with Sports Embassy representing Portugal, Regionalna Sportska Inicijativa “Igrajmo Zajedno” from Montenegro and Verlab Institute from Bosnia and Herzegovina as project partners.
Together, the consortium combines expertise in sport development, social inclusion, research, and community engagement to promote accessible and inclusive sport across Europe.
Coordinator’s contact details
- National Committee for Sport and Recreation in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Ismail Sehic
- E-mail: i.sehic@szsrfbih.ba
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.