News and Media
European Paralympic Committee launches Para School Programme in Türkiye to bring inclusive sport into classrooms
The European Paralympic Committee’s European Para Youth Games (EPYG) Legacy Initiative is set to reach its latest major milestone between 13-17 April with the start of the roll-out of the Para School Programme in Istanbul and Adana. At its heart, the Para School Programme is designed to help children with disabilities feel more included in physical education and school sport as a normal part of school life. It is specifically designed to embed Para sport in schools across Türkiye and Europe by equipping teachers with adaptive sports training, integrating Para sport into school curricula, and providing students with structured pathways into sport. During the programme, over 200 teachers will learn about biotic motor skills, adaptive sport and inclusive practices as well as having the opportunity to apply their new knowledge through practical exercises. This will give them the tools to integrate these elements into their classes, offer enhanced support for [...]
Italy power to wheelchair basketball gold
Italy marched relentlessly to wheelchair basketball gold at the European Para Youth Games in Istanbul as they proved a class above all their opponents. It was a wonderful exhibition of the sport from a richly-talented team led majestically by Alessandro Sbuelz. Victories over the Netherlands, Portugal and France put Italy in pole position to finish off the job on Sunday (July 27) at Cebeci Sports Complex. And they did not disappoint, making certain of top spot by crushing Ireland 77-29 and then comfortably defeating Spain 96-22 in their final fixture that also closed the competition. Ireland had no answer as Federico Balsamo top-scored with 15 points, underlining his influence alongside Sbuelz and the similarly-prolific Luigi Topo. Between them, they amassed well over 150 points in the competition. Portugal's 63-46 victory over Ireland ensured that they won the silver medal, with Netherlands securing bronze. In the pool, Paris 2004 Paralympic Games [...]
Slovenia head coach Bobnar backs EPYG for boosting boccia talent
Slovenia's boccia head coach Maja Bobnar has underlined the importance of the European Para Youth Games for helping to develop young athletes. Bobnar has overseen a team of three in the boccia competition, including 14-year-old twins Anze and Enej Strazberger. Anze reached the BC2 mixed gold medal match after beating Slovakia's Nina Melicherova, while his brother, whose semi-final took place on an adjacent court, lost to Eliska Jankechova. Bobnar looked on at the Cebeci Sports Complex in Istanbul as both players did Slovenia proud, gaining priceless experience in the international arena. Boccia is a growing sport in Slovenia," Bobnar said. "The number of players is increasing all the time, and they are all striving to be successful. Slovenia also has had two Para swimmers and a Para table tennis player in Turkiye, and Bobnar added: "Something like EPYG is very important for these players. It is a first competition of [...]
