TEAM-EU-UA International Training in Sumy: Inclusive Sports, Team Spirit, and European Values

As part of the project “Development of Team Spirit for the Implementation and Incorporation of EU Values in Ukraine” (TEAM-EU-UA), co-funded by the European Union, a training session for teachers and trainers was held in Sumy on May 22, 2026 in a hybrid format, focusing on methods and approaches to organizing sports events for children with special educational needs.

Particular attention was paid to adapting exercises and games, as well as creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for every child.

The first part of the event was devoted to the presentation of educational materials developed by project participants as part of Work Package 3. The materials were presented by Oleksandr Tomenko, Doctor of Physical Education and Sports and professor, who outlined their practical significance for the modern educational process and work with different categories of children.

In the second part of the training, Professor Yulia Bondarenko discussed with participants the specifics of organizing sports events for children with special needs. Special attention was paid to ways of integrating the principle of gender equality into the organization of sports activities and ensuring equal opportunities for all participants.

The third part of the training was conducted by Associate Professor Svitlana Hvozdetska, who presented the inclusive physical activity program “Active Environmental Games for All“. Participants familiarized themselves with the methodology for conducting active environmental games aimed at combining physical activity with the development of environmental awareness and teamwork.

As a result, participants took a test, which demonstrated a high level of knowledge retention—on average, over 86 % of correct answers on the test questions.

Over 70 participants were involved in the training, including teachers and trainers from the project’s partner organizations. Educators from the partner institution — Sumy Secondary School No. 15 — took a particularly active part, demonstrating a high level of interest and readiness to apply the knowledge gained in their practical work.

May 23, 2026 also saw an online meeting of the project consortium, attended by all TEAM-EU-UA partners. The meeting was chaired by the project coordinator: PhD in Physical Education and Sports, Associate Professor – Yaroslav Galan “YOUTH. SCIENCE. SPORTS. HEALTHY MOVEMENT IN UKRAINE”. The main focus was on the implementation of planned project activities, the preparation of future initiatives, as well as the organization and conduct of the International Conference, which will take place in August in Brussels (Belgium). The partners discussed further areas of cooperation and made proposals regarding the project’s development and the coordination of joint initiatives.

The event served as an important step in enhancing the professional competence of educators and coaches, developing an inclusive approach to education, and promoting European values through sports and physical activity.