On May 28, 2026, the “Moving Without Barriers” (MWB) project held its 200-metre inclusive kayaking competition on Lake Galvė in Trakai, Lithuania. Utilizing the Lithuanian Sport Centre’s training track near Trakai Island Castle, the event convened athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism from Lithuania, Poland, and Germany.
The competition focused on providing participants with practical experience in a standard sporting environment. Despite windy weather conditions, the races proceeded safely and on schedule. To help athletes acclimate to the water, the event began with a tandem paddling “buddy system,” allowing participants to practice alongside trained volunteers and coaches.
During the official heats, athletes navigated the 200-metre sprint distance across several categories, including Girls’ Singles, Boys’ Singles, and Doubles. The event was overseen by Chief Referee Gintaras Arminas and Race Secretary Vita Gudynienė, who maintained competitive standards while ensuring safety protocols. Motorized support boats remained on standby throughout the races to assist participants and monitor fatigue, ensuring a secure environment for everyone on the water.
In the evening, participants gathered in the sports centre’s conference room for the official award ceremony. The venue was decorated with collaborative canvases created during the mobility’s earlier art workshops, alongside branded banners acknowledging the European Union’s financial support.
Project Coordinator Daiva Dabrilienė, joined by the delegation coaches, presented each participant with a custom-designed MWB project medal and an official Erasmus+ certificate. The ceremony served to acknowledge the steady efforts of the athletes, as well as the practical support provided by the local sports volunteers and special educators.
Following the presentation of awards, a farewell disco was held. This provided a relaxed setting for the international delegations to interact and conclude their five-day mobility. The successful completion of the Trakai races provides a practical foundation for the project’s next scheduled event in Poznań, Poland, later this year.
