The UniTos – United through Sport project has officially begun with a successful kick-off meeting held on 12–13 February 2026 in Rijeka, Croatia.
The meeting brought together project partners from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, and Serbia, marking the start of a two-year initiative funded by the Erasmus+ Sport Programme of the European Union.
Hosted by the project coordinator, the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Para Sports Association (PGK PA), the event provided an opportunity for partners to align on project goals, define roles and responsibilities, and plan upcoming activities.
About the Project
UniTos aims to promote social inclusion and equal opportunities by connecting children and young people, with and without disabilities, through traditional sports. The project emphasizes the importance of inclusion, teamwork, and intercultural understanding, using sport as a powerful tool for social change.
Throughout the project, partners will work together to develop inclusive sports methodologies and create opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful, accessible physical activities.
What’s Next
One of the key upcoming activities includes the organization of international inclusive sports camps, which will take place next year in:
- Serbia
- Croatia
- Slovenia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
These camps will bring together young participants from different countries and backgrounds, encouraging friendship, respect, and collaboration across borders.
Looking Ahead
The kick-off meeting set a strong foundation for cooperation among partners and established a shared vision for the project’s impact. Over the next two years, UniTos will focus on fostering inclusion, promoting active lifestyles, and strengthening European cooperation through sport.
By creating inclusive environments and empowering young people, the project aims to demonstrate that sport can unite communities and break down barriers.
Sport unites us. Inclusion matters. Europe supports cooperation. 💙
PGK Para Sports Association – Project Coordinator
The Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Para Sports Association (PGK PA), based in Rijeka, Croatia, serves as the coordinator of the project. The association unites nine sports clubs for persons with disabilities and is dedicated to promoting inclusion, equality, and active participation through sport.
Founded with the goal of encouraging young people—especially those with disabilities—to engage in sports, PGK PA actively works to prevent social exclusion and contribute to equal rights for all citizens. Its activities include organizing sports programs and competitions at local, national, and international levels under the Croatian Paralympic Committee and the Croatian Sports Association for the Deaf.
PGK PA supports a wide range of sports, including athletics, swimming, bocce, archery, table tennis, bowling, and darts. Its team consists of experienced professionals in sports training, kinesiology, project management, and adaptive sports.
With extensive experience in managing EU and national projects, PGK PA plays a key role in fostering international cooperation and promoting Paralympic principles. Through partnerships with institutions, schools, and organizations, the association continues to develop innovative programs that connect sport, education, and social inclusion.
IPAK Institute – Innovation Through Technology and Inclusion
Founded in 2000, the IPAK Institute for symbolic analysis and development of information technologies is a Slovenian organization dedicated to advancing education, innovation, and inclusion through ICT.
IPAK has extensive experience in developing and implementing digital education solutions. In collaboration with West Valley College from Silicon Valley, it introduced some of the first online courses in Slovenia, marking a significant milestone in digital learning.
The institute is also actively engaged in supporting people with disabilities, particularly through sports and educational initiatives. Since 2008, IPAK members have volunteered with swimming programs for athletes with disabilities, contributing to inclusive sports development.
With nine patents focused on educational tools for persons with disabilities, IPAK combines research, innovation, and practical application. Its work has been presented at international events and published in professional literature.
Looking ahead, IPAK aims to leverage emerging technologies such as Web 3.0, the Internet of Things, and blockchain to further support disadvantaged groups and enhance accessibility in education and everyday life.
Sports Association for Persons with Disabilities of Serbia – A Legacy of Inclusion Through Sport
Established in 1964, the Sports Association for Persons with Disabilities of Serbia is the largest organization in the country dedicated to sports and recreation for individuals with disabilities.
The association’s primary goal is to ensure the inclusion of all categories of persons with disabilities in sports activities, contributing to their physical and psychological well-being, as well as their integration into society.
A strong emphasis is placed on building solid organizational foundations, professional management, and fostering a culture of fair play and mutual respect. The association supports both high-performance and recreational sports, ensuring accessibility for individuals at all levels.
Recognizing the importance of youth engagement, the organization actively encourages young people with disabilities to participate not only as athletes but also in leadership and management roles within sports structures.
Through its long-standing experience and commitment, the association continues to play a vital role in advancing inclusive sports and creating opportunities for persons with disabilities across Serbia.
The Bosnian Representative Association for Valuable Opportunities (BRAVO)
The Bosnian Representative Association for Valuable Opportunities (BRAVO) is a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and social development in Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond.
Guided by principles of tolerance, democracy, diversity, and inclusion, BRAVO actively supports young people through non-formal education, international mobility programs, and innovative learning methods. The organization plays a key role in facilitating participation in Erasmus+ initiatives and has been recognized with the European Solidarity Corps Quality Label for its excellence in volunteering and humanitarian work.
BRAVO is uniquely positioned in the Western Balkans as a certified provider of digital skills and competencies, supporting both individuals and organizations in adapting to the modern digital landscape.
Its activities span a wide range of areas, including entrepreneurship development, support for vulnerable groups, gender equality, human rights, and inclusion of people with disabilities. Through training programs, mentorship, and access to resources, BRAVO fosters innovation and helps build a sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
By connecting the public, private, and civil sectors, BRAVO contributes to long-term community development and promotes European values across the region.
#BRAVO #BRAVOBIH #MAKETHEWORLDWONDER #ERASMUSPLUS
