On 28 August 2025, the Erasmus+ project ParaSwInclusion hosted the round table “Para Swimming in the Western Balkans: Present and Future” at the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro in Podgorica. The event was organized in a hybrid format, enabling both in-person and online participation.
The round table gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives of sports clubs, national federations, academic institutions, and organizations dedicated to advancing sports opportunities for persons with disabilities. Participants came from Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia, reflecting the regional dimension of the project.
Key Discussions and Presentations
The agenda featured a series of focused presentations and exchanges covering critical aspects of para swimming development in the Western Balkans:
- State of para swimming in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina: Representatives presented current challenges and outlined future perspectives for growth.
- Institutional development: The establishment of the Paralympic Committee of Montenegro was highlighted as a historic milestone for the country’s sports ecosystem.
- Research and data: Results of a conducted analysis and the preparation of a para swimming register were shared, providing valuable insights into structuring further development.
- European examples: Experiences and registers from EU member states offered models of good practice to inspire national strategies.
- Capacity building: The Faculty of Sport and Physical Education (University of Sarajevo and University of Niš) emphasized the importance of continuous education for coaches, referees, and other actors in para swimming.
- Professional insights: Stakeholders provided reflections and recommendations to guide the next stages of the ParaSwInclusion project.
Strengthening Regional Capacities
The discussions underscored the importance of regional cooperation, exchange of knowledge, and capacity building as essential factors in advancing para swimming. By connecting different sectors and countries, the event reinforced a shared commitment to creating inclusive sporting environments and ensuring equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Looking Ahead
The outcomes of this round table will directly inform the future activities of the ParaSwInclusion project, both at the regional and European levels. By aligning strategic goals with practical measures, partners aim to foster sustainable inclusion, strengthen institutional support, and promote para swimming as a vital tool for integration and empowerment.