INCLUSIVE WINS: MIXED COMPETITIONS - GYMNASTICS FESTIVAL 2025 IN LEIPZIG
REALISATION
As part of the gymnastics festival, a wide range of measures to break down barriers and promote inclusion were implemented for the first time. These included audio descriptions and sign language interpreters at select events, information provided in plain and simple language, barrier-free access to venues, and a mobile “Toilet for All” container. Digital communication was also supported by making the website accessible.
Inclusion was further strengthened through training for staff and volunteers, the deployment of inclusive tandem volunteers, and inclusive program content. Inclusive teams participated in the children’s gymnastics show and the International Gala. Additionally, inclusive competitions were held in artistic gymnastics, trampoline gymnastics, and the balance beam.
A special highlight was the “Inclusion Wins” event on June 1, 2025, featuring an inclusive friendly competition in which people with intellectual and physical disabilities competed in teams alongside European Gymnastics Championship participants. This format generated significant visibility and very positive feedback.
Thanks to the support of a dedicated specialist, inclusion and the removal of barriers were, for the first time, strategically established as cross-cutting priorities. Extensive networking with specialized agencies, advocacy groups, Special Olympics Germany, and international partners played a key role in this success. Overall, the initiatives were well received and also highlighted the need to further strengthen and expand inclusion in gymnastics.
BACKGROUND
Significant progress has been made in the areas of participation and inclusion in sports, and this progress should be highlighted. At the same time, there are still many areas where equal participation in sports is not possible.
The 2025 Leipzig Gymnastics Festival has set itself the goal of, on the one hand, enabling greater participation at the event and, on the other hand, raising awareness of participation and inclusive sports, as well as breaking down barriers in perception and interaction.
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CHALLENGES
- Limited staff and time resources
- Lack of knowledge and limited experience, as well as hesitation and uncertainty when dealing with inclusive issues
- Perception of inclusion as an additional organizational and personnel burden
- Building acceptance and support within the organization
“Inclusivity Wins” is an initiative of the Katarina Witt Foundation.
Without an Event Inclusion Manager, inclusion in this form would not have been possible. The “Event Inclusion Manager in Sports” project, or “EVI” for short, has opened up more opportunities for people with disabilities in the sports job market and promotes greater accessibility and inclusion in sports. The EVI project was funded by the Compensation Fund of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS) and coordinated by the DOSB.
For more information, please visit the “Inklusiv gewinnt” website.
Further informations about the EVI-project can be found here.
As well as other included service features here.
Contact:
Frieda Prochaska (Gymnastiv Festival): 0157-82772085