The ‘Moving Without Barriers’ (MWB) project aims to raise public awareness of what intellectual disabilities (ID) and complex disabilities like autism are. We strive to strengthen social inclusion within professional paddling sports by expanding opportunities for these athletes.
Over recent years, we have identified a consistent gap in integrating people with intellectual disabilities into the paddling sports family. MWB is designed to address this critical issue by showing how to communicate with people with special needs and how to integrate them through sports, making the paddling world a symbol of equality and accessibility.
50+
Athletes with intellectual disabilities participating in high-standard water events.
100+
Professionally trained volunteers equipped to support special needs athletes.
3 Countries
Cross-border cooperation between Poland, Germany, and Lithuania.
1,500+
Direct participants, families, and spectators impacted by awareness campaigns.
Our Vision
“To inspire others to take action, innovate, and contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future for all, where athletes are defined by their abilities rather than their disabilities.”
Key Objectives
Our methodology tackles these objectives through a multifaceted approach involving seminars, workshops, and participation in top-tier sport competitions.
Raise Awareness
Raise public awareness about what intellectual disabilities are and the realities faced by these individuals.
Educate Communities
Educate sports communities and the public on how to effectively communicate with people with special needs.
Promote Inclusion
Actively integrate people with complex and intellectual disabilities into mainstream sports environments, specifically focusing on paddling.
Project Partners
Kazlu Ruda “Saules” School-Multifunctional Center
Project Coordinator
Kazlu Ruda, Lithuania
Polish Canoe Federation
Project Beneficiary
Warsaw, Poland
Special Rehabilitation and Educational Center for Children and Youth with Autism in Malbork
Project Beneficiary
Malbork, Poland
Wassersport PCK Schwedt e.V.
Project Beneficiary
Schwedt, Germany
Project Activities
Volunteers project seminar and workshop in Poland
Dedicated Volunteers Seminar and Workshop to prepare staff for upcoming major championships.
Inclusive races with seminar and workshop in Lithuania
The first Seminar, Workshop, Press Conference, and first Inclusive Canoe Competition.
Canoe Sprint World Championships and main project seminar and workshop in Poland
The main event featuring Inclusive Races during the Canoe Sprint World Championships in Poznań, accompanied by seminars and a major press conference.
Inclusive races with seminar and workshop in Germany
The final Seminar, Workshop, Press Conference, and Inclusive Canoe Competition.
Final project review
Conclusion of the Project.
Project Impact
Quantitative Impact 📈
Direct Participants
Minimum of 50 athletes with intellectual disabilities and 100 trained volunteers directly involved in core activities.
Broader Reach
Approximately 1,500 direct participants including families, spectators, and local authorities involved in activities and events.
Media Reach
Extensive coverage through partner networks (approx. 13,000 viewers via PZK, plus partner networks) and press conferences.
Qualitative Impact 🧠
Attitude Shift
A measurable positive shift in social attitudes and tolerance towards people with disabilities within the broader sports community.
Skill Development
Volunteers and staff will gain specialized skills in “adaptive sports” and communication strategies tailored for people with special needs.
Operational Model
Creation of a successful, standardized operational model for inclusive sporting events that can be replicated by other European sports federations.
Sustainability & Vision 🌱
The project aims to leave a legacy where high-level sports events are accessible by default. By fostering cooperation between sports federations and special education centers, Project MWB creates a sustainable ecosystem where athletes are defined by their courage and ability, not their barriers.
