The FORTHE project empowered young people with disabilities through urban sports (3x3 basketball) and climate action. It tackled post-COVID challenges by training youth workers to run inclusive events, organized tournaments, and promoted disability-friendly climate policies. FORTHE tackled inclusion barriers by researching and publishing findings (1 open access publication, 1 synthesis). It built capacity for youth workers (training on green sports events). The project's legacy was a 5-day training for future organizers on assessing the environmental impact of youth sports events. Additionally, it provided training materials (5 fiches, 5 infographics in 5 languages) to enhance sustainability and digital skills. Social inclusion and climate action were promoted through 4 local and 1 transnational green 3x3 wheelchair basketball tournaments. To ensure long-term impact, FORTHE dedicated a work package to policymaking, engaging local communities. Active citizenship was fostered through climate action initiatives led by young people with disabilities (tournaments, tree planting, Eco-athlete rewards). The FORTHE Manifesto encouraged local organizations and public bodies to support climate action through urban sports for disabled youth.
At FORTHE, we bridged the gap between youth with disabilities, urban sports (3x3 basketball), and climate action. Inspired by the UN's Strategy for Disability Rights (2021-2030), we took a unique approach, integrating all four elements for a more impactful experience. Our project aligned with the EU Green New Deal (2021) and Education for Climate Coalition (2021). We promoted eco-friendly urban sports practices and empowered young people to take climate action. At the Cyprus tournament, participants tracked their CO2 footprint with CarbonAcademy tools. This data guided our tree-planting efforts, ensuring we offset generated emissions. FORTHE actively involved local organizations, citizens, and policymakers. We leveraged our existing partnerships to create a strong network of support. Inspired by the EU Youth Strategy (2019-2027), we empowered young people with disabilities to become agents of change within their communities. To maximize impact, we developed a robust dissemination strategy. Multiplier events, video series, and awareness campaigns reached broad audiences throughout and beyond the project's duration.