Ramps4Champs 2.0 – School Edition: European Project Launch Meeting Held in Lisbon
On February 2–3, 2025, the first transnational meeting of the Erasmus+ project “Ramps4Champs 2.0 – School Edition” took place in Lisbon. Coordinated by the Portuguese Sports Federation for People with Disabilities (FPDD), this 24-month initiative aims to promote the practice of Boccia—specifically the BC3 class—in school environments across Europe.
The project brings together eight organizations from six countries (Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Bulgaria, and Poland):
APEFDP – Portugal; Loud Art & Inclusion – Greece; Rescue Training International Cy Ltd – Cyprus; Mine Vaganti NGO – Italy; Bulgarian Sports Development Association – Bulgaria; AETOI Thessalonikis – Greece; Polish Boccia Association – Poland.
Why is this project important?
The European Union recognizes sport as a powerful tool for social inclusion, including for people with disabilities. However, severe disabilities—such as cerebral palsy or tetraplegia—often remain insufficiently addressed. Individuals with these conditions need adapted equipment, specialized support, and accessible environments to participate meaningfully in sports.
Boccia, particularly the BC3 class, is one of the few sports that allows athletes with severe motor impairments to compete at a high level. Although it has been a recognized Paralympic sport since 1984, its implementation in school settings is still limited and requires specialized training and awareness.
What are our goals?
Ramps4Champs 2.0 – School Edition aims to create inclusive educational and sports opportunities for students with severe disabilities by:
– Identifying barriers that prevent schools and sports clubs from integrating the BC3 class into their regular activities.
– Providing teachers, educators, and coaches with new, inclusive, and innovative teaching methodologies.
– Engaging students with and without disabilities in shared BC3-based activities and events.
– Raising awareness among key stakeholders about the positive impact of inclusive Boccia practice.
This partnership was built on the complementary expertise of the participating organizations in disability sport, education, inclusion, and community development. Together, partners will develop high-quality materials, training opportunities, and pilot activities tailored to school realities.
Over the 24 months, the project will promote meetings, training sessions, and inclusive sports events, bringing together students with severe disabilities and their non-disabled peers. Through these interactions, the project aims to foster empathy, cooperation, and meaningful participation—core values of inclusive education.
The Ramps4Champs project is funded by the European Union.
