The First Inclusive Ski Cup “Sarajevo 2026” officially began with two powerful days dedicated to visibility, awareness, and hands-on inclusion in winter sports. The events brought together persons with disabilities, children, athletes, institutions, international partners, and the wider public around a shared goal: equal access to sport.
These activities were organized by the Ski Club for Persons with Disabilities Sarajevo, in cooperation with BRAVO – Bosnian Representative Association for Valuable Opportunities, within the framework of the international “COOPERATION” project. Project partners include Association Sport for All Serbia (Serbia), PRONA (Montenegro), and BG BE ACTIVE (Bulgaria).
The project is co-financed by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Sport programme, supporting cross-border cooperation, inclusion, and the development of grassroots sport initiatives. In 2026, the events were also part of the global WINTERSPORTWEEK, implemented simultaneously in 35 countries worldwide, further strengthening their international relevance.
Day 1 – Official Presentation and Public Launch
30 January 2026 | Olympic Museum Sarajevo
The first day of the programme was held at the Olympic Museum in Sarajevo, a symbolic venue deeply connected to the city’s Olympic legacy. The official presentation served as the public launch of the First Inclusive Ski Cup “Sarajevo 2026” and marked an important milestone for inclusive winter sports in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The event gathered:
- Persons with disabilities and children participating in the Cup
- Para-athletes and Paralympic representatives
- Representatives of public authorities from different governance levels
- International guests and partners from Serbia, Montenegro, and Bulgaria
- Sports organizations and media representatives
During the programme, speakers highlighted the importance of inclusive sport as a tool for:
- Social inclusion and equal participation
- Physical and mental well-being
- Breaking stereotypes about disability
- Strengthening cooperation between civil society, sports institutions, and public authorities
Special contributions were made by representatives of:
- The Paralympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- KJP ZOI ‘84 Olympic Center Sarajevo
- Special Olympics Bosnia and Herzegovina
For the first time in Bosnia and Herzegovina, an inclusive ski competition of this scale was officially announced, setting a strong foundation for future inclusive winter sports initiatives. International partners from the COOPERATION project shared their experiences and good practices, emphasizing the value of regional cooperation supported by Erasmus+ Sport.
Day 2 – Adaptive Skiing and Snow Activities
31 January 2026 | Bjelašnica Olympic Center – Babin Do
The second day moved from institutional dialogue to practical action on the snow, at the Bjelašnica Olympic Center – Babin Do, one of the country’s most important winter sports locations.
This day was fully dedicated to adaptive skiing, practical demonstrations, and inclusive recreational activities. Participants had the opportunity to:
- Learn about different types of adaptive skiing equipment
- Experience adaptive skiing in practice
- Observe professional demonstrations by trained instructors and para-athletes
- Take part in inclusive snow games and educational activities
The programme was designed to be both educational and enjoyable, allowing children and adults with disabilities to actively participate according to their abilities, supported by trained staff and volunteers.
A special focus was placed on:
- Demonstrating how adaptive equipment enables safe and independent skiing
- Showing that winter sports can be accessible to everyone with the right support
- Encouraging families, institutions, and sports clubs to invest in inclusive sport solutions
The atmosphere on Bjelašnica was marked by cooperation, motivation, and visible joy among participants. For many, this was their first experience with skiing or snow sports, making the day particularly meaningful.
Strong Message from Sarajevo to Europe and the World
By combining an official public launch with hands-on adaptive skiing activities, the first two days of the First Inclusive Ski Cup “Sarajevo 2026” sent a clear message:
Inclusive sport is possible, necessary, and transformative.
As part of WINTERSPORTWEEK, these activities connected Sarajevo with dozens of countries worldwide, placing Bosnia and Herzegovina firmly on the map of inclusive winter sports initiatives supported by the European Union.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Promoting sports and emphasizing their significance in daily life encourages social inclusion and well-being for all ages, genders, and backgrounds. The project uses sports to educate children and youth, instill good values, and train sports workers and coaches.
The main goals are to build basic groups, share best practices from other countries, promote social inclusion through sports (focusing on children with developmental disabilities and those facing disadvantages), and foster positive values such as team spirit. Youth and sports professionals will benefit from the transfer of expert knowledge.
The project will hold workshops, events, and programs that use sports for informal education and advocate for changes in public policy and legislation. The project will target various populations to address the often-overlooked importance of physical activity in public health policies.
The Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity, and Health emphasizes the importance of school policies and programs that promote healthy habits and physical exercise for children, youth, and the community. Sports improve motor skills, confidence, and resilience in children with disabilities and special needs. Physical education and school sports encourage physical exercise and an active lifestyle, enhancing public health. Sports can prevent diseases, improve mental and cognitive health, and engage older adults.
This project will use non-traditional educational methods to create engaging activities and events that teach people about inclusion, gender equality, and healthy habits through sports. This approach demonstrates that sports can be inclusive, innovative, and creative for different learners and communities.