What is inclusion?
Inclusion is a social concept aimed at integrating all people, regardless of their origin, social situation, gender, age, or ability, into society.
Unlike integration, which can sometimes involve a unilateral adaptation of individuals to an existing framework, inclusion is based on reciprocity and mutual adaptation. It advocates for the active and equal participation of all, ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities and is treated with dignity and respect.
🔎 Read also: Inclusion at work: how to get your teams on board?
Inclusion promotes diversity and fights discrimination and exclusion, creating environments where everyone feels accepted and valued. It is essential for the construction of a more just and equitable society, allowing everyone to contribute fully to collective life. In this context, differences are not only tolerated but celebrated: they are an asset for our society!
How can sport be a vector of inclusion?
Sport, with its universal language, is an incredible tool for fighting inequalities and promoting inclusion. It is recognized as an essential factor in social integration.
1. Creating social connections
Participating in sports activities creates opportunities for people to meet and exchange people who otherwise might never have interacted. Indeed, the practice of sport acts as an essential lever for social life, a source of commitment and personal fulfilment.
👉 See also our article on Pride Month to mobilize your company with the LBGTQIA+ community.
2. Reducing inequalities and social barriers
It offers a space for meeting and exchange where social barriers and inequalities fall, facilitating the creation of links between people from all walks of life. Participating in physical activities allows you to develop social and personal skills such as team spirit, cooperation, and respect for others, regardless of their differences. These positive interactions help reduce stereotypes and strengthen social cohesion.
3. Outreach and engagement
The values of sport – fairness, inclusion, fair play, fun, surpassing oneself – also encourage a culture of acceptance and solidarity, thus aiming to eradicate prejudice and discrimination. It can even be an educational medium in its own right, contributing to inclusion and cohesion in our society.
Did you know that 90% of people with disabilities think that it is essential to practice a sports activity, but that only 54% of them actually practice physical activity and sport? (see Handisport guide 2023-2024)
Fortunately, the practice of sport can be adapted to include everyone via dedicated tools, processes or projects : specific programmes for people with disabilities such as Duoday, initiatives for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, ethnic minorities, refugees, the elderly... Play pétanque between the inhabitants of a neighborhood, whether you are a homeless or homeless person, relax at a yoga class and share a moment with refugees, or participate in a solidarity race with an elderly person (going at their own pace) to raise funds against the isolation of seniors.
🔎 Read also: Disability in the workplace: how to act for more inclusion?
In recent years, more and more inclusive activities have emerged, led by associations in particular, to offer everyone access to sporting and social opportunities: and we are delighted about that!
Examples of associations that work for inclusion through sport
Special Olympics: Sport for the Inclusion of People with Mental Disabilities
Special Olympics is an international organization that organizes sports competitions for people with intellectual disabilities. It offers sports training and competitions throughout the year, in a variety of Olympic sports, for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics athletes not only benefit from improved fitness and well-being, but also from greater social inclusion through their sporting achievements.
Sport dans la Ville: sport as a lever for the social and professional integration of young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods
Sport dans la Ville offers free sports activities and accompanying programs that go far beyond the sports field. Professional training, personal development workshops, internships in companies... The aim is to develop transferable skills to help young people integrate into the labour market and society. Sport dans la Ville reaches more than 6,000 young people each year and works for better social cohesion and equal opportunities.
Kabubu: Sport as a vector of inclusion for refugees
Kabubu organizes sports activities and events that bring refugees and locals together, promoting social and cultural integration. In addition to the sports sessions, thenonprofit offers training workshops and volunteer initiatives, allowing refugees to learn new skills and develop their network. Kabubu's activities are not limited to sports: cultural outings, cooking workshops... So many opportunities to meet and share. With its inclusive and caring approach, Kabubu helps reduce prejudice and build strong bonds between different communities.
Entourage Sport: sport to create social links with marginalized people
Entourage Sport is an initiative of thenonprofit Entourage, which fights against the isolation of people in precarious and/or isolated situations, especially homeless people. Entourage Sport uses the power of sport to create social connections and promote the integration of marginalized people. By organising regular sporting events – football tournaments, running races, fitness sessions – Entourage Sport allows people from all walks of life to meet, share moments of conviviality and build mutually supportive relationships. The objective is to value each participant, to strengthen their self-confidence and to offer them opportunities for social reintegration. Through these initiatives, Entourage Sport plays a crucial role in building a more supportive and inclusive society.
These associations, among many others, show how sport can be a driver of positive change, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society. Whether for young people, refugees, people with disabilities or homeless people, sport has the unique power to bring together and promote values of solidarity, respect and equality.
The Guide to the Olympics for associations
On the occasion of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in Paris in 2024, we at Wenabi were keen to highlight all the sporting, solidarity and inclusive initiatives carried out by associations throughout France. We then created an Olympic Games like no other... The Olympics of the associations.
So, put on your sneakers, and join thenonprofit of your choice for a sporty and supportive 💛 summer
By providing opportunities for active participation for all, sport strengthens social cohesion and promotes values of respect and solidarity. Mobilizing around inclusion through sport is key to bringing communities together and fostering collective engagement. Do you want to engage your company and your teams with associations that see sport as a lever for inclusion and solidarity? Contact the Wenabi team !
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