Case 5: Zwolle
Name of project / programme:
Year of start / opening:
Country:
Target group:
Age:
City size:
Type of sport:
Sportpark Styrum – “Sports park Styrum”
2024
Netherlands
people with disabilities
children, youth, adults
more than 100.000 inhabitants
Ball games (e.g. soccer, basketball, volleyball….), Other: badminton
Content of project / programme
Short description:
Sport Strijders (‘Sport Warriors’) is an inclusive sports initiative in Zwolle and the broader region, offering adapted korfball and badminton tournaments for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The project aims to provide accessible sports opportunities, fostering social inclusion and promoting physical activity among participants.
Long description:
Sport Strijders (‘Sport Warriors’) is an inclusive sports project in Zwolle and other places in the Northern and Eastern part of the Netherlands, dedicated to providing adapted korfball and badminton sessions for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The initiative was established to create accessible sports opportunities that promote physical activity, social inclusion, and community engagement.
The project works with sport clubs in both korfball and badminton to create four tournaments per year per sport. These tournaments are designed to be inclusive, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can participate and enjoy the benefits of sports. The focus is on skill development, teamwork, personal growth and a joyful ambience, rather than competition.
Sport Strijders collaborates with local sports clubs to facilitate the sessions, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment. It is supported by several other organisations and professionals, such as the province, several municipalities, municipal sport organisations, organisations in education and professionals in adapted sport.
Through its activities, Sport Strijders aims to break down barriers to participation in sports for individuals with disabilities, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Aspects of good practice:
Sport Strijders is considered a good practice, because…
…it offers adapted sports sessions that cater to the abilities of individuals with disabilities.
…it creates a positive ambience tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
…it promotes social inclusion by providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in sports alongside their peers.
…it collaborates with local sports clubs to create eight tournaments per year.
…it fosters a sense of belonging and promotes a healthier, more active lifestyle among participants.