On April 25, 2025, Park Hotel Vitosha in Sofia hosted an impactful workshop on Inclusivity in Sports, gathering athletes, coaches, and advocates dedicated to promoting equal opportunities in sports. The event was part of the Keep The Ball Rolling – KBR project, an international initiative implemented by seven partner organizations from six Programme countries—Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania, Serbia, and Türkiye. The project is co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Sports Programme (ERASMUS-SPORT-2024-SNCESE) and will run for 18 months, from December 2022 until the end of May 2026.
Key Themes of the Discussion
The workshop was led by Jaklin Zlatanova, a renowned Bulgarian basketball player with an impressive career in both national and international competitions. Zlatanova has long been an advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equal representation in sports, using her platform to raise awareness of the challenges faced by underrepresented athletes.
She emphasized the importance of breaking barriers for athletes based on gender, ability, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Discussions explored discrimination, unequal funding, and the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, tracing the historical exclusion of women from early Olympic events and the progress achieved through policies like Title IX.
Another key focus was the inclusion of athletes with disabilities, highlighting the evolution of the Paralympic Games and how adaptive sports technologies have significantly improved accessibility. Organizations like the International Paralympic Committee and Special Olympics were recognized for their contributions to challenging societal misconceptions about disability and expanding opportunities for athletes.
Zlatanova also explored the role of ethnic diversity and LGBTQ representation in sports, citing Colin Kaepernick’s protest as an example of activism in athletics. Additionally, she honored Billie Jean King’s lasting impact on gender equality, celebrating her fight for equal pay and LGBTQ rights in sports, noting that her achievements continue to inspire athletes today.
Looking Toward the Future
The workshop concluded with discussions on educational initiatives, community engagement, and the development of support networks to promote inclusivity in sports. Zlatanova outlined upcoming events designed to reinforce these principles, including a Special Olympics basketball game and the inclusive sport of BaskIN, which encourages participation from athletes of all backgrounds and abilities. With initiatives like Keep The Ball Rolling – KBR, involving six Programme countries and seven partner organizations, the movement for more inclusive and diverse sports communities continues to gain momentum. By providing structured activities, international cooperation, and educational opportunities, this EU-funded initiative ensures that athletes, regardless of their background, are empowered to thrive in the sporting world.
