The Municipal Adapted Sports Development Program has been established in Palmela with the aim of strengthening inclusion, equal opportunities, and the promotion of physical activity for the municipality's disabled population. The program will cover school clusters and secondary schools in the municipality during the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 academic years.
Promoted by the Palmela Municipal Council, in coordination with Palmela Desporto, educational institutions, and local associative movements, the program seeks to create more sports practice opportunities for children and young people with disabilities. The goal is to contribute to their personal development, autonomy, well-being, social inclusion, and educational success.
This initiative is part of the PIPSE Palmela Operation – Educational Success Promotion Program, which is integrated into the Lisbon Metropolitan Area Action Plan (ITI-AML) and funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) through Lisboa 2030/PT2030, in coordination with the National Plan for the Promotion of School Success. Action 2.1 of PIPSE advocates for innovative pedagogical, technical, and therapeutic responses, including “Adapted Sports”.
The project will offer modalities such as Boccia, Judo, Swimming, and Horse Riding, selected according to the needs of the students in each educational institution. Activities will be led by qualified technicians and will take place in schools, municipal swimming pools, and equestrian centers within the municipality.
Planned initiatives include regular adapted classes, open days for sports experimentation, Boccia gatherings, and the Family Day, encouraging active participation from students, families, and the educational community.
More than just a sports project, this initiative aims to build a sustainable path for physical activity beyond the school context. The objective is to create conditions for participants to continue their activities in local associations and clubs, reinforcing inclusion through sport.
The Adapted Sports Development Program represents a further step in the strategy of Palmela Desporto and the Municipality of Palmela to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their abilities, have access to sports, physical activity, and their benefits for health, quality of life, and community participation.
The Boccia and Judo activities began on October 6th. Adapted horse riding and swimming will commence on October 12th.
