University of Valencia releases inclusive physical activity guide

The Physical Activity, Education, and Society (AFES) research group at the University of Valencia has been dedicated to studying physical activity and sports among various vulnerable groups for several decades.

Their research has focused on the barriers different persons experience in society, particularly when they participate in sport and physical activity.

While their work has primarily been research-oriented, they had been seeking opportunities to transfer their knowledge and disseminate their research findings to a broader audience.

The chance to create a guidebook emerged as a collaboration between the AFES group, the Disability Unit (under the Office of Equality), and the Sports Service of the University of Valencia.

The University’s approach to physical activities and sports services emphasizes inclusivity, which made expanding the guide’s focus to encompass a wide spectrum of diversities seem highly relevant.

While this approach sacrifices some specificity, it gains in universality and aligns with the reality of many open activities that cater to various individuals.

The AFES research group embarked on this project with a clear vision and a commitment to quality. They dedicated considerable time and enthusiasm to ensure the guide would be of high quality.

Their aim was to create a resource that could be applied across different types of diversities, offering general ideas and practical principles that could benefit a wide range of individuals participating in physical activities and sports.

Although the group acknowledges the challenges inherent in such a project, they view it as a worthy endeavor. By emphasizing common principles and practical approaches, they hope to make physical activities and sports more enjoyable and accessible to a diverse range of individuals.

Ultimately, the AFES research group’s efforts represent a step toward greater inclusivity and equity in the realm of physical activity and sports.

The University of Valencia has an excellent sports service for its community and has also organized several international university sports events, notably for FISU, including the Women’s Handball World University Championships in 2002, Taekwondo 2006 and Triathlon 2010.

Written by Olivier van Bogaert (with information provided by Healthy Campus Programme)