From October 15th to 17th, 2024, the STARS project team gathered in Madrid for a meaningful and dynamic Study Visit. Hosted at the Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (INEF-UPM), the event brought together members from across Europe to exchange ideas and advance initiatives in sports education, inclusivity, and dual careers for athletes.
Highlights of the Visit
Day 1:
The visit began with a warm welcome from Dr. Vicente Gómez, Dean of INEF-UPM, and Ms. Belén Lara, Head of International Relations for Spain’s Higher Sports Council. After project updates and brainstorming sessions on research applications, participants toured Madrid’s High-Performance Centre. The guided visit showcased the center’s state-of-the-art facilities and highlighted Spain’s commitment to athlete development.
Day 2:
A series of engaging presentations focused on inclusivity in sports, covering topics such as the High-Level Athlete Care Programme (PROAD) and the ADOP Employment Program supporting high-level athletes with disabilities. Key speakers, including Mr. Diego Barrio and Ms. Carmen Baringo, led these insightful discussions.
Additionally, there was a session on training, labor market access, and employment opportunities for athletes with disabilities. This was followed by inspirational stories of dual careers shared firsthand by accomplished athletes such as Paralympic medalist María Delgado and karate champion Elisa Gawel. Their accounts highlighted both the challenges and triumphs of balancing sports and academics.
The day concluded with a visit to the Ortega y Gasset Sports Excellence Secondary Education Center, providing a closer look at innovative vocational education and training (VET) practices for young athletes.
Day 3:
The final day featured team-building activities, workshops on partner projects, and attendance at the II Inclusive Games. Participants enjoyed inclusive competitions in table tennis, rugby, and swimming, demonstrating the unifying power of sports.
Reaching a Wider Audience
The STARS project also took to the airwaves during the visit. A live appearance on The Vaughan Show, in collaboration with the French Campus of Excellence in Sport 135 BPM, reached an audience of 300,000 listeners. This platform provided greater visibility for STARS and emphasized its mission to enhance sports education and inclusivity.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks go to Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and 135 BPM: Le 1er Campus du Sport for their outstanding hospitality and collaboration. Their support ensured a memorable and productive event, reinforcing our shared commitment to innovation and inclusivity in sports education.
This Study Visit not only strengthened the STARS network but also inspired new strategies for fostering excellence and inclusivity in sports across Europe
