Open Water Swimming for All

forthcoming

The OWS4ALL project promotes the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWD) in open water swimming (OWS) through structured training and knowledge exchange. It aligns with the Erasmus+ 2021–2027 priorities, focusing on social inclusion, accessibility, sustainability in sport, and digital transformation. - Objectives: Enable PWD participation in OWS events via an online video manual for event organisers, supporting the digitalisation of sports education. Prepare PWD for safe OWS participation through progressive training. Establish best practices for inclusive OWS events, ensuring safety and accessibility. Promote low-carbon, inclusive sports, supporting the European Green Deal. - Key Activities: 1. Pilot pool event (Čatež, Slovenia, May 2026) – A controlled training environment where PWD, coaches, and organisers simulate OWS conditions as preparation for open water participation. 2. OWS event (Cres, Croatia, August 2026) – A fully inclusive race, applying lessons from the pool event to ensure safety and accessibility in real OWS conditions. 3. Knowledge exchange and digital transformation – The online video manual will be a long-term digital resource, ensuring best practices reach a wider audience via the project website, YouTube channel, and social media. - Expected Impact: *Short-term: Increased PWD participation and readiness for open water challenges. *Medium-term: Establishment of structured training and expansion of best practices among event organisers across Europe. *Long-term: Growth of inclusive OWS events across the EU, ensuring lasting accessibility in aquatic sports and inspiring more adaptive sports initiatives. The project will be implemented in 2026, with results remaining accessible beyond completion via ows4all.eu and the YouTube channel, fostering sustainable inclusion in open water swimming. The methodology will serve as a model for future inclusive sports projects across Europe.