For too long, people with disabilities have faced barriers to accessing meaningful outdoor physical activity. The RESTART project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme, set out to change that by creating inclusive, nature-based sporting opportunities in three countries: Portugal, Spain, and Poland. Focused on adaptive canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and rowing, RESTART is proving that sport on the water can be a powerful tool for inclusion, empowerment, and community connection.From the outset, RESTART was rooted in action. After identifying and analyzing 15 good practices in inclusive sport across the three countries — compiled in a public Compendium — the project moved into its most impactful phase: the implementation of national pilot projects. Each country developed and tested inclusive aquatic sport sessions tailored to its context, with the shared aim of involving people with disabilities in accessible, meaningful, and enjoyable physical activity in nature.Portugal: Paddling Toward ParticipationIn Portugal, the pilot project centered on adaptive canoeing. Activities were implemented along rivers and calm water zones, enabling participants with physical and cognitive disabilities to take part in a safe and supported environment. Local partnerships with disability associations and social service providers helped identify participants, many of whom had never tried an aquatic sport before.The focus was on simplicity and accessibility: the use of adapted canoes and supportive equipment, alongside trained instructors, ensured safety and confidence. Sessions emphasized enjoyment, confidence-building, and the connection between movement, nature, and inclusion. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants expressing a desire to continue practicing canoeing after the project ended.
Spain: Balancing Inclusion Through Stand-Up PaddleboardingSpain’s pilot project explored the potential of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) as an inclusive activity for people with disabilities. Carried out in coastal and calm water environments, the sessions involved individuals with a variety of disabilities, including sensory, intellectual, and physical impairments. The novelty of SUP in adaptive contexts made the Spanish pilot both innovative and energizing.Local instructors were trained to modify techniques and equipment. Wider, more stable boards were used, and some participants started from a kneeling or seated position until they felt comfortable. Beyond the physical challenge, SUP provided a platform for autonomy, body awareness, and connection to the sea. The inclusive setting fostered both peer support and community participation, with several sessions open to families and friends.
Poland: Rowing for Inclusion and AwarenessIn Poland, the focus was on adaptive rowing, taking place on inland lakes and rowing clubs with accessible infrastructure. The pilot welcomed participants with mobility and developmental challenges, introducing them to both individual and team-based rowing experiences.What set the Polish pilot apart was its integration with community education. Each session included a short awareness segment for participants and their families on inclusive sport, disability rights, and the role of physical activity in health and inclusion. Coaches received dedicated training, and rowing clubs were supported in adapting their methods and facilities.The results were immediate: strong interest from local organizations, increased confidence among participants, and a noticeable change in attitudes among the rowing community. The pilot also highlighted the potential of rowing as a long-term sport for people with disabilities, offering structure, routine, and progression.
Three Countries, One Shared GoalDespite differences in geography, culture, and sport, all three pilot projects shared key principles: person-centered design, safety and accessibility, instructor training, and strong partnerships with local organizations. Each country adapted RESTART to its reality, but all aligned around the idea that sport in nature should be for everyone.As the pilots concluded, the lessons learned were captured in the Project Evidence Report and will feed into the final Recommendations Manual, a practical tool designed to help other organizations replicate the model. The RESTART project is not just a pilot or a study. It is a lived experience of inclusion through sport — one that leaves lasting impact on participants, communities, and the structures that support them.
RESTART is a reminder that when inclusion meets innovation, even a small canoe, paddleboard, or rowing shell can carry big change.