European Para Youth Games - Legacy Initiative

ongoing

For a young para-athlete, the first step onto the international stage is more than a sporting milestone—it is the beginning of a journey that fosters confidence, empowerment, and the pursuit of excellence. The European Para Youth Games (EPYG) serve as a launchpad for future Paralympians, but also as a gateway to social inclusion, personal growth, and expanded opportunities for young athletes with disabilities across Europe. More than just a competition, EPYG fosters a sense of belonging, identity, and ambition, allowing participants to grow, aspire, and play—the core values that define the European Paralympic Committee’s (EPC) vision. The European Para Youth Games (EPYG) have grown into the most significant multi-sport event for young para-athletes in Europe, providing a unique opportunity for young athletes to compete at an international level. However, the challenge remains—what happens after the Games? For many athletes, EPYG is their first experience on the global stage, but beyond the event itself, there has been no structured mechanism to ensure that the momentum, engagement, and opportunities created during EPYG translate into long-term, sustainable change in para-sport. The EPYG Legacy Initiative (EPYG-LI) was created to bridge this gap, transforming EPYG from a biennial event into a movement that drives systemic, lasting change in para-sport development across Europe. Despite the growing success of EPYG, para-sport development across Europe still faces significant barriers. Many young people with disabilities lack access to structured para-sport programs due to a lack of infrastructure, trained coaches, and inclusive school sports programs. There is no universal system for identifying and supporting young para-athletes at the grassroots level, leaving many without pathways to progression. Additionally, many educators and volunteers lack proper training in adaptive sports, limiting the quality of coaching and inclusive in national sporting structures.