Empowering Young with DCD
SupPORT
101134549
Project Title: SupPORT – Support in Sport Plus
Project Number: 623062-EPP-1-2020-1-RS-SPO-SSCP
Project Coordinator: CNBA – Košarkaški Savez Grada Niša (Serbia)
Duration: November 01, 2023 – January 31, 2025
Budget: €60,000
Programme: Erasmus+ Sport
Action Type: Collaborative Partnerships
Topics: Inclusion of people with disabilities in sport, Social inclusion through sport, Early identification and intervention
Partners:
- KOSARKASKI SAVEZ GRADA NISA (Serbia) – Coordinator
- HELLAS FOR US ASTIKI MI KERDOSKOPIKI MI KYBERNITIKI ETERIA (Greece)
- MINDSPIN LTD (Cyprus)
- ARTEAM (Bulgaria)
- DEBATNI CLUB GRADA NISHA (Serbia)
Overview
The SupPORT (Support in Sport Plus) project addresses the critical challenge of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as Dyspraxia, in young children engaged in sports activities. DCD affects fine and gross motor skills, movement coordination, and spatial awareness, making it difficult for children to participate fully in physical activities. This condition impacts not only physical abilities but also children’s self-efficacy, self-perceived competence, and social relations.
Despite affecting a significant number of children, there remains a fundamental lack of information, prevalence data, knowledge, and understanding of DCD across Europe. Sports professionals have expressed a need for guidance on how to effectively recognize and accommodate young people with DCD in their activities. The current exercises and games utilized are often not sufficiently accessible for these individuals, and repeating the same activities may decrease motivation and fail to support diverse skill development.
As coordinator of this project, CNBA leads a consortium of partners from Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria to address this gap. By developing educational materials, creating an e-learning platform, and raising awareness about early DCD identification, SupPORT aims to upskill actors in sports to better support children aged 5-10 with coordination challenges.
Key Focus Areas SupPORT
Awareness and Education
Promote early identification of DCD and educate sports professionals on effective support strategies.
Stakeholder Mapping
Identify and engage key stakeholders who can notice and address DCD in children.
Training Development
Create comprehensive training programs accessible through an e-learning platform.
Resource Creation
Develop educational materials that address the challenges faced by children with DCD.
Community Empowerment
Strengthen local communities to foster social inclusion and support for children with DCD.
European Collaboration
Enhance cooperation across Europe to implement sustainable support practices for DCD.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
The SupPORT project follows a comprehensive approach to addressing DCD in sports:
Research and Mapping Phase
The project begins with thorough research to understand the current landscape of DCD awareness and support across partner countries. This includes mapping stakeholders who work with children and are in a good position to notice signs of Dyspraxia, such as teachers, coaches, pediatricians, and youth workers.
Educational Material Development
A core activity involves creating comprehensive educational materials specifically designed for sports professionals. These materials provide practical guidance on recognizing signs of DCD, understanding the challenges these children face, and implementing appropriate accommodations in sports activities.
E-Learning Platform Creation
The project develops an innovative e-learning platform that serves as a training hub for actors in sport. This platform provides accessible, flexible training opportunities for coaches, physical education teachers, and youth workers to learn about DCD and develop skills to support affected children.
Awareness Raising Campaign
A targeted awareness campaign is implemented across all partner countries to increase public understanding of DCD. This campaign targets not only sports professionals but also parents, educators, and the general community to build a supportive environment for children with coordination challenges.
Stakeholder Engagement
Throughout the project, relevant stakeholders at local and national levels are identified and engaged. This includes sports clubs, schools, medical professionals, and parent organizations, creating a network of support for children with DCD.
Knowledge Exchange
Regular transnational meetings and online collaboration ensure continuous knowledge exchange among partners, allowing for the sharing of best practices and the adaptation of approaches to different national contexts.
Results
Support in Sport+ e-learning platform
Welcome to Support in Sport+ e-learning platform, designed to support educators, coaches, parents, and caregivers in effectively understanding and managing Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder – DCD). Our modules are crafted to provide you with essential knowledge, practical strategies, and valuable resources to create inclusive environments that help children with DCD thrive in both educational and sports settings. By engaging with our interactive content, you’ll gain insights into the unique challenges faced by individuals with Dyspraxia and learn how to implement supportive practices that foster growth, confidence, and participation.
Test your knowledge on Dyspraxia
Training Format
At Support in Sport+, we believe that every child deserves the chance to play, grow, and thrive in sports, regardless of their physical abilities. That’s why we’ve developed a comprehensive training format designed to help coaches, trainers, and educators create more inclusive and supportive sports environments for children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).
This unique training format is more than just a guide—it’s a game-changer for sports professionals who want to ensure that young athletes with motor coordination difficulties can fully participate, enjoy, and benefit from sports.