From 13 to 15 October 2026, Ericeira, Portugal, welcomed the STRIDE & GLIDE International Seminar, bringing together trainers and representatives of partner organisations from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Austria and Portugal.
Hosted by Sports Embassy within the Erasmus+ Sport project, the gathering focused on making sport and outdoor recreation more accessible to people with disabilities.
Three-day programme
The three-day programme connected project discussions, the exchange of good practices and opportunities to explore the local sporting environment. At its heart was a shared question: how can sports organisations move from offering a first experience to supporting regular, meaningful participation?
The opening day centred on getting to know the local context and exchanging experiences. The programme included a welcome at Ericeira Business Factory, a visit to the Interpretation Centre of the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve, and group activities dedicated to sharing good practices. These sessions provided space to connect perspectives from the partner countries and consider how local resources and cooperation can support more inclusive outdoor activities.
The central seminar session, held on 14 October at Boardriders, focused on accessibility, participation and the practical challenges of inclusion in sport. The programme opened with “Sports for everyone. What’s missing?”, followed by a session dedicated to STRIDE & GLIDE findings.
Contributions from REGŠPO, APERCIM, Ericeira Surf Clube, Mafra Municipality and Universidade Politécnica de Setúbal brought different perspectives into the discussion. The themes addressed barriers that can prevent people with disabilities from taking part and explored what is needed to turn an introductory sporting experience into sustained participation.
Important ambition of STRIDE & GLIDE
This focus reflects an important ambition of STRIDE & GLIDE: creating opportunities that people can continue to access within their own communities. Accessible environments, adapted equipment and professionals with the skills to support different needs all contribute to making that possible. Equally important is involving people with disabilities in shaping the activities intended for them.
Alongside the seminar discussions, the wider programme included visits connected to Ericeira’s surfing community, with a visit to 58 Surf, a scheduled surf session at Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas and a walking activity at Praia dos Coxos. These elements connected the exchange of ideas with the outdoor settings in which inclusive sport takes place.
The gathering also addressed the role of sport in supporting mental well-being, challenging stigma and building stronger community connections. Sharing experiences across countries offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on different approaches and identify practices that could inform future local activities.
Training and Education
As part of the project’s Training and Education work package, the seminar was designed to contribute to the development of educational materials on inclusion in sport. The exchange in Ericeira supported this work by bringing together practical experience, local expertise and perspectives from across the partnership.
Through STRIDE & GLIDE, the partners are working towards a common goal: making running, hiking, swimming and outdoor recreation more accessible, welcoming and inclusive. The seminar placed that goal at the centre of an international conversation about how more people can participate regularly, confidently and with a sense of belonging.
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