Adaptation of water sport infrastructure for all
About this good practice
The "Kitesurfing and Sailing Sports Accessible to People with Disabilities" project addresses the limited access to water sports for individuals with disabilities. It ensures adaptations like specialized boats, modified kitesurfing gear, and accessible launching areas. This initiative opens up kitesurfing and sailing as recreational and competitive sports for disabled individuals, helping overcome concerns about safety, independence, and lack of experience.
The project provides training, support, and specialized instructors to build confidence and skills. It fosters social inclusion, equality, and integration, ensuring everyone can participate regardless of physical ability. It also promotes physical fitness, rehabilitation, and mental well-being.
The project achieved its objectives through a structured process, ensuring safe, independent participation. It began with assessing barriers, such as infrastructure limitations, equipment issues, and lack of trained instructors. Collaboration with disability organizations, sports clubs, and experts helped define key requirements.
Specially designed boats, kitesurfing harnesses, and assistive control systems were introduced. Instructors were trained in adaptive techniques and safety measures to support disabled participants. This initiative resulted in qualified kitesurfing instructors for disabled people through the "Marių burės" association.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
FINANCIAL resources – 378 063,00 Eur.
300 000,00 Eur. (for adaptive equipment)
Evidence of success
Šilutė's efforts to adapt kitesurfing and sailing for people with disabilities highlight an inclusive approach.
Evidence includes:
1. Increased participation in programs, indicating accessibility.
2. High repeat participation, showing satisfaction.
3. Positive feedback from participants.
Implementation of adaptive equipment and safety measures, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.
Potential for learning or transfer
Practice has strong potential for transfer to other regions aiming to make water sports accessible to all, regardless of physical ability. Project demonstrates how to modify water sports facilities to accommodate people with disabilities. These improvements can be replicated in coastal and lake regions.
It provides insights into adaptive equipment like modified harnesses and assistive control systems, which can be adopted by sports organizations and sailing clubs. The project also highlights the importance of training instructors to work with disabled athletes, which can be implemented in other regions through certification courses and workshops.
Promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities, this initiative can inspire municipalities and organizations to collaborate with disability groups and local governments to scale up the model. This practice serves as a scalable, adaptable model to enhance inclusion and well-being in water sports worldwide.
Further information
Images
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Administration of Silute District Municipality