Newsletter Issue 7

1. Educational Kit “Count Me In” available online

From this date, the book of the educational kit “Count Me In” is not only available in printed version but also accessible online. “Count Me In” is an excellent source of information for primary school teachers, parents, sports coaches and volunteers that want to find out more about the inclusion of children with a disability in physical activity, leisure and sports. Next to some general definitions and theories on inclusion and adapted physical activity, it contains a wide range of tips and tricks on how to adapt together with some very practical examples and illustrations.
At the same time, you can have a look at a preview of our CD-ROM that was designed specifically to promote sports and physical activity for children with a disability.

2. Promotional Material Available

Since the educational kit and promotional CD-ROM have been designed and produced, we are facing the new challenge of disseminating both products to the respective target groups. As discussed on the last project forum in Leuven, each national partner will establish an individual dissemination strategy, fitted to the needs and opportunities available in each country. The project coordinator will take additional initiatives to spread the word in the international world of APA professionals. To support all national workgroups, we have designed a poster/leaflet that can be used for the promotion of the educational kit and promotional CD-ROM.

3. EUCAPA conference 2006, Olomouc

From 7th until 9th of September, the European Conference of Adapted Physical Activity will take place in Olomouc, Czech Republic. This is an excellent opportunity to present the project and the most important achievements to a group of European experts in APA. Our abstract has been accepted in the free communication session. Several partners will attend this EUCAPA conference and present both the educational kit and promotional CD-ROM. This is only the first of many events on which we hope to enhance the inclusion of children with disabilities into physical activity, leisure and sports beyond the timeframe of this project

4. Final Word of Thanks from the Project Coordinator

Dear Partners, the last two years have been very challenging. I feel very honoured for being able to coordinate this project in cooperation with a group of experts in the area of APA and inclusion from around Europe. Each and every one of you has contributed to this project from his/her personal background and point of view. It has been an enriching experience to approach the project from these different perspectives. I am convinced this has lead to the development of high quality and well tough-out products relevant for our target groups, specific aims and current needs of children with a disability in sports and physical activity in general. The “Count Me In” educational kit and promotional CD-ROM will certainly contribute to the inclusion of children with a disability into society. Therefore, I would like to thank all of you for your hard work and commitment to the project Herman Van Coppenolle.