A Strong Start in Padova
On February 8, 2025, the partners of the Sport for Unity and Equality project gathered in Padova, Italy, for the first transnational meeting. Hosted by Associazione Popoli Insieme ODV, the one-day event marked an important milestone in setting the foundation for successful project implementation.
After a warm welcome from the host, the coordinating organization DSR Superkid presented the meeting agenda. The day was dedicated to clarifying the project’s activity plan, financial framework, and dissemination strategy, ensuring that all partners were aligned on the road ahead.
Each partner organization introduced itself, highlighting its role, responsibilities, and target groups:
- DSR Superkid (Croatia) – working with Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Zagreb, focusing on refugees.
- GK Zaprešić (Croatia) – collaborating with the School of Graphics, Design, and Media Production in Zagreb, particularly classes with Ukrainian migrants.
- Popoli Insieme (Italy) – engaging its regular refugee service users in project activities.
- Sport Evolution Alliance (Portugal) – connecting with public community bodies to link migrants and refugees with the project’s programs.
The consortium officially established a Steering Committee, composed of four representatives: the project coordinator from DSR Superkid and one experienced Erasmus project manager from each partner organization. This team will oversee efficient project management and decision-making.
The meeting also focused on practical training activities, scheduled from March 2025 to February 2026, with each partner assuming responsibility for a specific age group and sports discipline:
- Popoli Insieme – yoga and plogging for young adults and adults.
- GK Zaprešić – gymnastics training for primary and secondary school children.
- SEA – martial arts, specifically karate classes, for youth.
- DSR Superkid – swimming, ice-skating, and a summer camp for primary school children.
In addition, the consortium reviewed mandatory documentation requirements (photos, videos, evaluation questionnaires) and compliance with GDPR and parental consent regulations.
A key follow-up activity is the development of surveys on social inclusion to be distributed at the start of the practical training. Popoli Insieme shared a survey template based on their previous experience, which was refined and adopted by the whole consortium.
The meeting also included discussions on upcoming educational workshops for children, trainers, teachers, and volunteers. These workshops aim to address issues of social inequality and highlight the importance of inclusion. Popoli Insieme will develop the workshop materials.
To ensure broad outreach, partners discussed the Dissemination Plan, created by DSR Superkid and SEA. During this session, the consortium also selected the official project logo, giving Sport for Unity its visual identity.
OFFICAL PROJECT LOGO
The meeting concluded with a tour of Popoli Insieme’s facilities, followed by a shared lunch at a local restaurant and a guided walk through the historic city of Padova — a perfect setting for strengthening the bonds of the consortium.
With clear plans and a strong partnership, the Padova meeting set the stage for an impactful project journey ahead.
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