ESTUPENDO BROCHE FINAL DEL PROYECTO EUROPEO «BARRIER FREE LIFE» EN PORTUGAL

Fundación También has participated in a new international experience of this project, funded by Erasmus+, in which we share knowledge and life experiences with associations from other European countries.

From September 23rd to 26th, a group of specialized technicians from Fundación También traveled to Portugal to participate in the final experience of the European partnership project «Barrier-Life Free,» funded by the Erasmus+ program.

Adaptive surfing served as the backdrop for four European associations to gather in the Portuguese city of Viana do Castelo. We were welcomed, as on previous occasions, by the Surf Clube de Viana to share knowledge and experiences, and to promote a European cooperation network that joins forces to continue working toward the social inclusion of people with disabilities and equal opportunities.

Alongside Fundación También, other entities such as Clivis APS in Italy, the Istanbul Sustainable Development Association, and the Surf Clube de Viana in Portugal, we experimented with new ideas to develop inclusive solutions and promote European values such as diversity, equality, and cooperation.

We shared many activities where we could exchange ideas to improve the goals that unite us. We participated in methodology and practice classes for adaptive and inclusive surfing, attended a session on sustainability and environmental education in nature-based sports, and visited the historic center of Viana do Castelo to immerse ourselves in its culture and traditions.

Surfing, like any other sport, is a driving force for change that breaks down barriers by transforming the lives of those who practice it, improving their autonomy, independence, and self-esteem. A testament to this is Paloma Oñate, a member of the Fundación También-Almar Consulting Women’s Parasurfing Team. She accompanied us to the Atlantic coast to continue her training and test new spots in the area, exposing herself to different conditions and fine-tuning her preparation for the upcoming national and international competitions in which she will participate.

At Fundación También, we know very well that when we collaborate on a project alongside international entities, the results are even more enriching and rewarding. International collaborations are essential to tackling common challenges and ensuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunities all over the world.

Next year, Fundación También will continue with new projects and international collaborations that will allow us to improve the work we do to promote the social inclusion of people with disabilities.