En Garde for All

Project Status:
Ongoing
Implementation period:
12 months
Partners:
ARCO Navarra, Neurodiversity Bulgaria, Kris Sports Club, Sancho VII
Financed by:
The European Union, Erasmus+

About the project:

The project’s main objective is to increase the participation of LGBTI people in democratic processes and strengthen cooperation between civil society organisations, public institutions, and allies across the four partner countries. To achieve this, the consortium will implement a range of capacity-building activities, training programmes, civic engagement initiatives, international exchanges, and public awareness campaigns.

The project will engage LGBTI communities alongside civil society organisations, allies, and institutional stakeholders, encouraging active participation in public life and the promotion of fundamental rights. A particular emphasis is placed on building sustainable transnational partnerships and advancing core European values, including democracy, equality, human rights, and non-discrimination.

The initiative is expected to engage 947 direct participants, including 426 LGBTI people and young people and 521 representatives of civil society organisations, allies, and institutional stakeholders. Through a multilingual communication campaign and online dissemination activities, the project will reach at least 800,000 people across the general public. In the long term, TOGETHER will contribute to stronger civic participation, greater public awareness of LGBTI rights, and more inclusive democratic processes throughout the region.

Project objectives and activities:

– Developing inclusive sports practices that take into account the needs of neurodivergent and LGBTQI+ participants.
– Building coaches’ capacity through training on working in an intersectional environment, including communication skills, adapted training approaches, and creating a safe space.
– Introducing adapted fencing sessions with reduced sensory stimuli, visual cues, and inclusive conditions for participation.
– Creating a network of participants and “peer ambassadors” who support new athletes and contribute to better communication and a sense of belonging.
– Developing and disseminating a practical guide (“Intersectional Fencing Toolkit”) that summarizes the lessons learned and can be used by other sports organizations.
– Promoting the inclusive approach through events, demonstrations, and collaboration with local communities and stakeholders.

The training presentations for coaches are available here:

Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the organisers and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.