The virtual trainings of the I.N.S.P.I.R.E. project begin: virtual reality at the service of sports inclusion

After months of intense work, meetings, field activities, and moments of European cooperation, the I.N.S.P.I.R.E. project, Inclusive Sports Programs for Individuals with Autism, enters a new and decisive phase: the virtual trainings have officially begun, scheduled from October 7 to November 4, 2025, dedicated to the use of Virtual Reality (VR) as an innovative tool to promote the inclusion of young people with autism in grassroots sports. 

Funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Sport program (Project ref. 101182662), the I.N.S.P.I.R.E. project aims to promote the participation of young people with autism aged 13 to 20 in sports activities, through inclusive approaches and methodologies and the adoption of new technologies. 
The lead partner of the initiative is Sport Hub SSD Impresa Sociale (Italy), in partnership with Mimma Dreams APS (Italy) and ADEL Slovakia (Slovakia).

A path of inclusion built step by step 

In recent months, the project saw the creation of a true sports inclusion laboratory in the municipalities of Mareno di Piave, Santa Lucia di Piave, Susegana, and Vazzola, where young people with autism were able to participate in sports and motor activities guided by qualified coaches and educators. 
Coordination, collaboration, and socialization activities allowed participants to experience firsthand the effectiveness of sport as a tool for well-being, growth, and inclusion. 

In May, the project took a fundamental step with the first transnational INSPIRE workshop, held in Mareno di Piave. The event brought together sports operators, teachers, and representatives of European organizations committed to inclusion, such as Sport Hub SSD, ADEL Slovakia, and Mimma Dreams APS. 
During the workshop, participants delved into facilitation techniques and the potential of Virtual Reality as a means to break down the barriers that still limit the sports participation of young people with autism. 
A first digital “room” was created and tested, an experimental virtual environment designed to facilitate gradual and safe access to sports activities. 

Now the virtual training phase begins 

Starting Tuesday, October 7, the project partners and involved operators have launched the online trainings: interactive training sessions dedicated to the practical exploration of VR tools, the design of inclusive immersive experiences, and the development of skills useful for integrating technology into daily sports practice. 

The trainings, which will continue until November 4, 2025, represent a crucial stage of the I.N.S.P.I.R.E. journey and an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Italy and Slovakia on a highly relevant topic: how to make sport a truly accessible, welcoming, and participatory space for everyone. 

During the virtual meetings, participants will share experiences and best practices, working towards building inclusive sports environments that enhance individual abilities and promote the socialization of young people with autism. 

A project that unites technology, sport, and community 

The I.N.S.P.I.R.E. initiative confirms the partners’ commitment to networking experiences, territories, and innovative tools to build a culture of inclusive sport. 
In this context, Virtual Reality is not just a technological tool, but a bridge between the real world and the world of possibilities, capable of making sports practice more accessible and accompanying young people with autism towards full social participation. 

The journey will continue in the coming months with further opportunities for discussion and dissemination activities, up to the Closing Meeting scheduled in Bratislava, where the final results and best practices collected during the project will be presented.