In late October 2024, Zagreb hosted the Erasmus+ KA1 project “The Impact of Us 2,” which brought together 65 participants from Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia. This unique initiative, funded by the European Union, focused on empowering young people with disabilities and fewer opportunities through sports and social inclusion. The project, which ran from October 23 to October 30, was coordinated by Taekwondo Klub Maksimir from Zagreb, with support from partner organizations Asociación Babilon Travel from Romania and ArTeam from Bulgaria.
Notable Results and Achievements
“The Impact of Us 2” exceeded expectations, achieving significant results across multiple areas:
Increased Knowledge and Access to Physical Activity
Through the project, participants acquired new skills and knowledge on how to adapt physical activities to their own abilities. All participants reported an increased understanding of the importance of physical activity and were provided with guidelines on accessible exercise locations.
Development of Social Skills and Self-Confidence
Interactive workshops and team tasks encouraged youth to socialize, leading to improved communication skills and self-confidence. Through teamwork and sports activities, participants felt supported and reported a significant increase in their sense of belonging.
Promotion of Intercultural Connection
Participants had the opportunity to meet peers from other countries, share personal stories, and discuss challenges, which helped them develop intercultural skills and feel part of a broader European community.
Motivation for Physical Activity and a Healthy Lifestyle
During the project, participants learned techniques for maintaining motivation and staying active, even in the face of daily challenges. Survey results showed that 80% of participants plan to continue activities started during the project.
Highlighting the Importance of the Erasmus+ Program and the Youthpass Certificate
At the end of the project, all participants received Youthpass certificates, recognizing their participation and the skills gained. This additional recognition will be beneficial for their future personal and professional development.
All project results can be found on our Facebook page dedicated to the project https://www.facebook.com/theimpactofus/ , and the project photo gallery is available here https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.523684813844285&type=3
Project Highlight: Free Inclusive Exercise Workshops “Zagreb in Motion”
As the highlight of “The Impact of Us 2,” free inclusive exercise workshops called “Zagreb in Motion” were organized, open to the public and free for all participants. These workshops showcased the project results and provided participants with the opportunity to experience adaptive exercise techniques.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1103891137829276/
You can also see video report from local news on this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbfVX7rZn4Y
Workshop Program:
14:30 – 14:40h How the Blind Exercise: Adapting Movements and Techniques
14:40 – 14:50h The Silent World: Exercise for the Deaf
14:50 – 15:00h Power in Adaptation: Exercise for People with Disabilities
15:00 – 16:00h Exercise for All: Correct Movements for All Ages and Abilities
Emotional and Social Impact
The “The Impact of Us 2” project demonstrated the extent to which sports can benefit not only physical but also emotional and psychological health. Participants highlighted that, thanks to the project, they felt less isolated, had greater faith in their abilities, and experienced a stronger sense of belonging. Connections made with peers from other countries gave them insight into the diversity of European society, and shared challenges further motivated them toward cooperation and empathy.
Long-Term Impact and Significance
“The Impact of Us 2” was more than just an event; it is a movement aimed at creating more accessible and inclusive spaces for youth across Europe. The project strengthened partnerships between organizations in Croatia, Romania, and Bulgaria, laying the groundwork for future projects that will further advance inclusion and improve the quality of life for young people with disabilities and fewer opportunities.
Looking to the Future
Now that the project is complete, the spirit of collaboration and motivation remains strong. Taekwondo Klub Maksimir, along with its partners, will continue to work on developing adaptive programs and empowering young people through sports. “The Impact of Us 2” has shown that when young people are given opportunities and support, they can achieve incredible things and be catalysts for positive change in society.
This project is not just the conclusion of one event, but the beginning of lasting changes that will enable young people with disabilities and fewer opportunities to realize their full potential through sports and community collaboration.