Sitting volleyball to improve the health and foster the social well-being of children and youth with physical-motor disabilities
SWAP is an Erasmus+ Sport project (2026–2027) that promotes sitting volleyball as a tool to improve physical health, social wellbeing, and inclusion for children and young people with physical-motor disabilities. The SWAP Erasmus+ Sport project brings together six partner organisations from Italy, Spain, Greece, and Croatia. This project is particularly relevant for healthcare professionals, physiotherapists, volleyball coaches, and physical education teachers looking for practical, evidence-based approaches to inclusive sport and rehabilitation.
Why this project matters
Children and young people with physical-motor disabilities often face significant barriers to sport participation. Furthermore, stereotypes and stigma around disability continue to limit access to inclusive environments. Sitting volleyball — an adapted form of volleyball that allows people with physical disabilities to actively participate — offers a powerful response to both challenges. However, many professionals working in rehabilitation, schools, and sports programmes still lack the knowledge and tools to introduce it effectively.
What the project aims to do (objectives)
The SWAP Erasmus+ Sport project aims to increase awareness of the benefits of sitting volleyball among professionals working with children and young people with disabilities. In addition, it promotes sport as a tool for rehabilitation, empowerment, and social participation — supporting the development of confidence, teamwork, resilience, and social connections. At the same time, the project seeks to challenge stereotypes around disability and foster a more inclusive culture through sport.
What we are building (results)
- A Report on the scientific value of sport and sitting volleyball for children with physical and motor disabilities
- An Online Training Course (MOOC) to teach sitting volleyball to health professionals, volleyball coaches, and physical education teachers
- A Booklet with role models to raise awareness and provide mentorship, inspiration, and support.
Furthermore, all results will be available in English, Italian, Greek, Spanish, and Croatian.
Project partners
The project is coordinated by Real Eyes Sport (Italy) and includes IRCCS Eugenio Medea – La Nostra Famiglia Association (Italy), Euphoria Net (Italy), EuroAmerican Association of Sports Sciences (Spain), AETOI (Greece) and OK OSI Zrinski (Croatia).
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Project n° 101244896