Dissemination Event of the European Project “Move As You Are” at the School of Physical Education & Sport Science (SPESS) / NKUA

Presentation of educational tools and best practices for the inclusion of children with visual impairments in sports

The Dissemination Event of the European Erasmus+ SPORT “Move As You Are”– Sport for All was successfully held on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, in Room 5 of the School of Physical Education and Sport Science of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The event aimed to present the project’s results and highlight innovative tools and practices that promote inclusion in Physical Education and Sport.

Project Presentations

During the event, the following were presented:

• The Booklet of Best Practices, which includes theoretical approaches and applied examples to enhance the participation of children with visual impairments in sports activities.
• The MOOC “Move As You Are”, an innovative online course for Physical Education teachers, coaches, and trainers.
• Strategies and best practices for parents, students, health professionals, and stakeholders in education and sport.

Greetings

The event was addressed by:

• Professor Anargyros Toumbekis, Vice-Dean of SPESS/NKUA and Professor of Swimming, emphasized the importance of European programs and the development of educational tools that strengthen accessibility and inclusion.
• Professor Maria Psychountaki, Director of the Department of Social and Human Sciences, who highlighted the importance of scientific documentation and interdisciplinary collaboration and played a key role in inviting Mr. Athanasios Gavellas as a guest speaker.
Participants included faculty members (DEP, EDIP, EEP), students, and representatives of Special Education institutions, such as:

• K.E.E.P.E.A. “Horizons”
• ALMA
• ENEGYL Thiseio
• Public Model Children’s Gymnasium of Kaisariani
• “Theotokos” Foundation
• EEEEK Agios Dimitrios

Additionally, representatives of adapted and inclusive sports clubs attended, including Proteas Voula, “Jambol Agapis”, Special Olympics Hellas, A.S. Megas Alexandros, and Panionios Nea Smyrni.

Honored Athletes

A special honor was the participation of:

• Mr. Athanasios Gavellas, two-time Paralympic Gold Medalist in the 100m T11 and World Record holder
• Ms. Dido Messini, long jump athlete (T12) and graduate of SPESS/NKUA.

The Greek Research Team

• Scientific Coordinator: Dimitra Koutsouki, PhD, Emerita Professor, SPESS/NKUA
• Principal Researcher: Katerina Asonitou, PhD, Laboratory Teaching Staff (EDIP), SPESS/NKUA

Collaborators:

• Dimitra Mitsiou, PhD, Directorate of Secondary Education of Pieria
• Ifiyenia Koskina, MA, Physical Education Teacher, University Gymnasium NKUA

Project Partnership

The Move As You Are project is implemented by the following international partnership from Italy, Greece, and Portugal:

1. Euphoria Net (Italy) – Project Coordinator https://euphorianet.it/
2. The Adapted Physical Activity / Developmental and Physical Disabilities Lab (APALab), School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens (Greece) https://en.uoa.gr/
3. Real Eyes Sport A.S.D. (Italy) https://www.sportrealeyes.it/
4. Municipio de Vila Nova de Famalicão (Portugal) https://www.famalicao.pt/

Educational Material of the Project

All project deliverables — the Booklet of Best Practices, the MOOC, educational videos, articles, and newsletters — are freely available on the official project website. All materials have been translated into four languages: Greek, English, Italian, and Portuguese, ensuring accessibility for educators, coaches, and professionals across all partner countries.

Visitors can also explore the project’s articles and newsletters, which present the progress, results, and scientific foundations of the activities.

• Booklet of Best Practices (free access)🔗 https://www.moveasyouare.eu/booklet/
• 70 Educational Videos on YouTube🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@MoveAsYouAre
• Free MOOC for Educators & Coaches🔗 https://www.moveasyouare.eu/courses/mooc-gr/
• Articles & Newsletters: 🔗 https://www.moveasyouare.eu/

Booklet of Best Practices (free)

The Booklet of Best Practices includes evidence-based approaches, practical guidelines, and examples applied to enhance the participation of children with visual impairments in sports. It has been presented at international conferences and has already been requested for translation into several languages, highlighting its value as a tool for educators, coaches, and health professionals.

70 Educational Videos on YouTube. The project’s YouTube channel offers 70 educational videos featuring:

• basic sport techniques
• step-by-step swimming instructions
• adaptations for children with visual impairments
• practical motor skill exercises

The videos are designed as immediately applicable tools for educators and coaches, supporting the project’s mission to “remove barriers and create opportunities” for all children, as stated in the official project report.

Free MOOC for Educators & Coaches

If you are a professional working in a school, sports organization, or club and interact with individuals with visual impairments, you can freely attend and evaluate the project’s online course — helping us all become better.

Acknowledgments

Warm thanks are extended to the Dean of SPESS/NKUA, Professor Gerasimos Terzis, and the members of the Dean’s Office for approving and consistently supporting the initiative. This support highlights the school’s commitment to promoting actions that enhance accessibility, inclusion, and scientific documentation in Physical Education and Sport. Thanks, are also expressed to Professor Maria Psychountaki, Director of the Department of Social and Human Sciences, and the Department’s members for their scientific support and contribution to the successful organization of the event. Special recognition is given to all participants — faculty members, EDIP, EEP, students, representatives of institutions, and sports clubs — for their active presence, contributions, and engagement in disseminating knowledge and strengthening inclusion in Physical Education and Sport. Warm thanks are also extended to the Accessibility Unit for Students with Disabilities of NKUA, and especially to Professor Georgios Kouroupetroglou, for supporting and promoting the event through the Unit’s official social media and communication channels. Their contribution significantly enhances the outreach and social impact of the Move As You Are project.

Certificates of attendance were provided to all participants.

More Information

Project Website: https://moveasyouare.eu/el https://www.moveasyouare.eu/