INTERACT+ Sport for All Conference, Capacity Building Training, and Partners Meeting

From 1 - 3 October, TAFISA, in collaboration with FISU and other partners, hosted three significant events under the INTERACT+ project in Lausanne, Switzerland: the INTERACT+ Sport for All Conference, a Capacity Building Workshop, and the Partners Meeting. These events brought together international and national sport federations, offering a platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration. The shared goal was to promote inclusive and sustainable sports participation through innovative strategies and actionable programs. Together, these events strengthened partnerships and laid the groundwork for future initiatives within the global sports community.

INTERACT+ Sport for All Conference 

On 1 October, the INTERACT+ Sport for All Conference took center stage. Co-hosted with FISU, the conference introduced the Label Dashboard, an innovative tool designed to help sport federations evaluate and improve their Sport for All offerings through a structured certification process. By measuring their current initiatives, federations can create a roadmap for continual improvement. You can find more information about the Sport for All Certification here. It is open now!  

This event also served as a platform to showcase the INTERACT+ project’s goals, foster dialogue, and encourage collaboration among various stakeholders in the global sports community. The conference featured a round table discussion moderated by Patrik Perosa from the International Dance Organization. The panel included a distinguished lineup of speakers: 

• Barbara Albisetti-Heath, Swiss Golf 
• Claudia Harder, Youth+Sport, Switzerland 
• Attila Adamfi, Federation of International Bandy and International Weightlifting Federation 
• Francesco Fiorini, World Rafting Federation 

The conversation delved into the foundational frameworks guiding each federation’s Sport for All initiatives, examining how these theoretical principles are translated into actionable programs. Panelists shared insights into the key challenges they face in promoting inclusive participation, while discussing practical steps federations are taking to implement these strategies. They also addressed common obstacles in advancing widespread sports participation and explored how the INTERACT+ project could support federations in overcoming these barriers and achieving their goals. 

Capacity Building Workshop

Following the conference, a two-day Capacity Building Workshop provided attendees from international and national sport federations with hands-on guidance and practical tools to align their activities with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and TAFISA’s Mission 2030 Themes. Participants worked on creating policy changes within their organizations, linking research findings from the INTERACT+ project to their strategies, and designing initiatives aimed at specific target groups. The workshop was facilitated by Jörg Benner from European Flying Disc Federation.

This workshop marked the fourth capacity building session under the INTERACT+ project, with at least two more trainings planned for the future. These sessions offer a valuable opportunity for federations to enhance their capacity for promoting inclusive and sustainable sport initiatives. If your organization is interested in hosting a similar capacity building session or would like more information, please reach out to us at info@tafisa.org!

Partners Meeting

During the gathering in Lausanne, a Partners Meeting was also held.  The meeting provided an opportunity to review updates on upcoming deliverables, plan the next steps for the Label Dashboard, and ensure the ongoing sustainability of the project. Additionally, partners discussed next steps for future capacity building sessions and scheduled upcoming meetings to align strategies and ensure smooth collaboration.

The INTERACT+ Sport for All Conference, capacity building workshop, and partners meeting in Lausanne marked a significant step forward in advancing global collaboration toward inclusive and sustainable sport initiatives. By bringing together experts, representatives, and key stakeholders from international and national sport federations, we fostered meaningful dialogue, shared innovative strategies, and strengthened our collective commitment to promoting Sport for All. As we look ahead, the momentum gained from these events will continue to drive the INTERACT+ project’s mission to support federations in creating impactful programs and initiatives. We are excited for the future and look forward to the next phases of our shared journey.