Poznań, Poland — March 20, 2026
On March 20, 2026, the “Moving Without Barriers” (MWB) project hosted a volunteer seminar in Poznań, Poland. Co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme, the event gathered 91 local volunteers at the Malta Training and Conference Centre to begin their preparation for the Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships scheduled for August 2026.
The primary goal of the seminar was to bridge sports management with inclusive education. Volunteers will play a direct role during the championships, assisting athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism. To help ensure a safe and supportive environment, the training provided foundational knowledge on disability awareness and communication strategies.
During the event, representatives from the Polish Canoe Federation and international consortium partners from Lithuania and Germany shared the project’s objectives. Special education experts from the SORW Malbork center delivered presentations focusing on the autism spectrum and intellectual disabilities. They guided volunteers on daily support practices, such as using plain language, recognizing sensory sensitivities, and respecting personal boundaries.
Additionally, the organizing committee outlined the logistical layout of the regatta course. Volunteers were briefed on their specific duties, which will include accessibility support, guiding athletes through classification, and assisting at fan zones.
The evening concluded with an interactive networking session. Volunteers participated in small group discussions with educators and sports officials, using customized leaflets to review guidelines and ask questions about their upcoming roles.
This seminar served as the first phase of the volunteers’ training, establishing a theoretical foundation. Participants will later complete a practical, on-site workshop at the regatta course to apply these skills, supporting the MWB project’s ongoing commitment to inclusive practices in sport.
