The Inclusion Mobile made its first stop in Bad Hersfeld at the end of September. Visitors were given the opportunity to discover the diversity of inclusive sport and try it out for themselves. Celebrity ambassador is para-athlete Niko Kappel. You can find out what's behind the campaign here in the film.
The joint initiative of REWE, Aktion Mensch and the German Disabled Sports Association (DBS) aims to enable sporting participation for all with the Inclusion Mobile and to inspire children and young people in particular for inclusive sport. Para-athlete Niko Kappel will be on site as an ambassador to raise awareness of the social importance of the topic.
The inclusion mobile made its first stop on 28 September. The tour started in Bad Hersfeld and will be travelling across Germany over the next year. The other dates and stops are currently being planned.
The idea behind the joint project by REWE, Aktion Mensch and the German Disabled Sports Association is to highlight the diversity of inclusive sport, provide practical tips and motivate visitors to take part in sport together. The aim is to introduce children and young people in particular to inclusive sport at an early age. After all, if they are sensitised to it from an early age, inclusion and equal cooperation will be a matter of course for them in the future.
In order to achieve these goals, the inclusion mobile is planning a large number of on-site visits to clubs and schools as well as a presence at public events. "Diversity and inclusion are not only an integral part of REWE's corporate culture, but also a matter close to our hearts. Together with Aktion Mensch and the German Disabled Sports Association, who have outstanding expertise, we want to bring about real change through the Inclusion Mobile and show that sport connects people," says Scott McDonald, Chairman of the Representative Body for Disabled People at REWE and PENNY.
Study highlights need for action
A survey by the German government shows that 55 per cent of people with disabilities do not participate in sport. Only 25 per cent of sports clubs in Germany are actively committed to people with disabilities. Only five per cent of people with disabilities are members of a sports club. There are many reasons for this: communication barriers, gaps in knowledge among clubs and sports providers and prejudices. Time to change that: The Inclusion Mobile initiative is launching with a clear appeal for openness and equal opportunities. "Sport is a key driver of inclusion - especially for children and young people. We are delighted to be sending out a strong signal in favour of diversity and participation in sport and thus in large parts of our society with the Inclusion Mobile," says Christina Marx, spokesperson for Aktion Mensch. "The Inclusion Mobile offers a great opportunity to showcase the diversity of inclusive sport and motivate people to get involved," added Friedhelm Julius Beucher, President of the German Disabled Sports Association.
Join in and try it out
The inclusion mobile will visit clubs, schools and public events. On site, the team will present the diversity of inclusive sport, give practical tips and motivate all visitors to get active. For example, they can try out sports such as ultimate frisbee, table tennis and subsoccer together with Niko Kappel, German para-athlete, current world record holder and silver medallist in shot put at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. Niko Kappel is particularly passionate about this topic: "Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of sport. I started playing sport as a child and hope that I can inspire many people - from young to old - to get more exercise, especially together."
