CAPACITY INCUBATOR

Project facts

Project promoter:
Children and Youth Para Sports Association(LV)
Project Number:
LV-ACTIVECITIZENS-0092
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€18,567
Programme:

Description

Project goal:
1. Develop a detailed procedure plan that will be the base of successful growth for the association.
2. Structured resources for advanced competence of association. Performing the new plan and program.
3. To raise financial independence from further projects.
4. Unify the society by integrating children and juniors with disabilities.
   
Activities:
1. Estimate the work of the association and develop a procedure plan.
2. Organize consultations with industry experts.
3. Buy equipment to improve the work environment and effectiveness.
4. Develop a fitness program based on research and consultations.
5. Educate coaches and voluntary workers to organize quality lessons.
6. Attract extra funding from sponsors and charity contributors.
7. Promote the image of the association on social media.
Results:
1. Developed a procedure plan that gives structure to operations and improves work effectiveness.
2. The information gained from consultations is used for raising staff qualifications, extra funding, and better brand recognition.
3. Created a unique program. The training for coaches and voluntary workers will improve the quality of services.
4. Provided regular financing from project independent resources.
5. A recognizable image for the association.

Sustainability and capacity:

1.The procedure plan is made for the next three years.
2.Regular training motivates employees to keep their current job.
3.The fitness program will form the basis for the provision of services. In the long run, it will be adapted and supplemented.
4.Built the prestige of the organization by conducting lessons using modern methods and new knowledge.
5. The new financial resources will stabilize the daily activities of the association.

Summary of project results

Here is your text rewritten in the past tense and passive voice, as requested:

  1. Need for program expansion and professional involvement. The project was designed to expand its scope and recruit new specialists, while the qualifications of existing ones were enhanced. A VFS program was developed to improve training efficiency and structure the work of coaches. New volunteers were engaged, and the organization''s activities were expanded to different cities in Latvia.
  2. Challenges in reaching and engaging the target group. Children and youth with disabilities, the target group, were often affected by social stigma, which made their engagement in activities challenging. As a marginalized group, they required specific attention, experience, and creative approaches.
  3. Lack of specialized staff and funding. Specialists with relevant experience in para-sports were lacking, and funding for their services was insufficient. A structured physical development program was identified as a solution, enabling less experienced staff and volunteers to deliver quality training.
  4. Need for structured and accessible training programs. Structured training sessions and techniques in para-sports were introduced to generate greater interest and motivation among participants. In doing so, barriers to engaging children with disabilities in regular sports activities were addressed.
  5. Expanding activities to new regions and increasing awareness. There was a need to increase reach, raise awareness of para-sports, and educate the public about the physical and psychological benefits of such programs for children.
  6. Lack of capacity to expand operations. As the organization’s activities were limited to group sessions in Riga, and the expansion to other cities such as Daugavpils, Jelgava, Ogre, and Valmiera was hindered by capacity constraints, additional resources were required to ensure program quality across Latvia.
  7. Need for international collaboration and experience exchange. Opportunities for collaboration with foreign specialists were sought.
  1. 1. Capacity needs assessment and action plan development. An action plan was developed, which included identifying new contacts, forming partnerships, and acquiring necessary equipment. The plan’s goals were implemented throughout the project.

    2. Consultations with experts. Discussions with professionals in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and parasports were held to enhance the program. Collaborations were established to inform medical professionals about parasports and to involve them in raising awareness among children and youth with disabilities. These consultations provided valuable insights into training and development for disabled athletes.

    3. Development of General Physical Preparedness (GPP) training program. A comprehensive training program was created, including warm-up and cool-down exercises, as well as GPP test exercises. The program was continuously refined based on feedback from sports doctors and physiotherapists. It featured the use of adaptive equipment to assist children with asymmetric body structures in their training. The program''s effectiveness was tested and adjusted as needed.

    4. Trainer and volunteer training. Training sessions were organized, including para sports camps and specialized workshops. These sessions involved new trainers specializing in various sports, including wheelchair tennis, and included opportunities for knowledge exchange across international events. The program also recruited volunteers, with a focus on increasing participation among university students and specialists.

    5. Attracting of additional funding. Partnerships were established with companies to secure additional resources and donations. This included securing financial support for events, equipment, and training sessions. A donation campaign was launched, and donation boxes were placed in retail locations, further supporting the project''s sustainability.

    6. Creating publicity on social media and in the media. A social media strategy was developed, including regular updates about the program’s activities. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram were utilized to engage with the public and raise awareness. Public relations efforts were supported by collaborations with marketing specialists, creating promotional materials, and organizing public presentations.

  1. General Physical Preparedness (GPP) development and training expansion
    A comprehensive GPP program was created to enhance training efficiency and organize coaches'' work, including structured training plans and a fitness assessment system. The scope of activities was broadened with regular online and in-person training, incorporating new sports and exercises.
  2. Engagement of new participants and volunteers
    New members from the target audience, along with volunteers and specialists, joined the organization, driven by efforts in the communication plan.
  3. Qualification enhancement for specialists
    Existing specialists improved their qualifications through seminars, consultations, and knowledge exchange with foreign organizations.
  4. Organizing activities and attracting new partners
    The organization expanded its outreach by holding events and demonstrations in other Latvian cities, increasing member participation, and attracting new partners.
  5. Expansion of necessary equipment and additional funding sources
    The organization updated its inventory, considering the needs of children with disabilities, and secured new funding through partnerships, donations, and supporters.
  6. Increase in revenue and public awareness
    Through communication activities, the organization attracted more sponsors, resulting in a 43% increase in annual revenue from 2021 to 2022. Regular public communication built trust and support for long-term initiatives, enhancing program sustainability.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.