On May 29, 2026, the “Moving Without Barriers” (MWB) project hosted a practical volunteer workshop at the Malta Regatta Course in Poznań, Poland. Building upon the theoretical seminar held earlier in March, this field-based session brought together 84 local volunteers to prepare for the upcoming Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships scheduled for August 2026.
The workshop aimed to equip the volunteer team with the hands-on skills necessary to assist athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism. Participants engaged in several practical modules designed to reflect the operational conditions of the championships.
The day began with a venue walkthrough, where volunteers familiarized themselves with the functional zones, including accessible catering areas, the sports zone, and the classification tent. Following this, Olympic medalist Izabela Dylewska led an inclusive communication module. This session focused on using “plain language” and practicing appropriate responses to help athletes manage stress or sensory overload.
Safety and logistical procedures were also a primary focus. Professional water rescuers and kayaking instructors guided volunteers through on-water safety drills, teaching proper techniques for assisting athletes into and out of boats, as well as emergency water evacuation protocols. Additionally, the organizing committee trained participants in technical tasks such as boat weighing and managing the event’s GPS tracking system.
The training concluded with a group simulation that integrated communication, logistics, and accessibility support tasks. Post-event feedback showed that participants felt well-prepared for their operational roles. By translating theoretical concepts into practical field exercises, the workshop successfully readied the volunteer team to support an inclusive and organized environment for all competing athletes this coming August.
