In an era where sports have become a powerful tool for societal transformation, “Mermaids for Inclusion” project. co-financed by the EU Erasmus+ Sport and Government of Croatia, stands out as a beacon of progress. Coordinated by Finswimming Team Komet in Croatia, this initiative introduced finswimming as a grassroots sport across the Western Balkans, promoting gender equality and social inclusion.
Finswimming: A New Frontier for Inclusion
The project’s primary aim was to empower women and underrepresented groups by introducing finswimming—a unique and engaging aquatic discipline—to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. By leveraging the sport’s novelty, the initiative attracted a diverse audience, including ethnic minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. Finswimming served as a unifying activity, breaking barriers and fostering collaboration among participants from various cultural and social backgrounds.
Building Capacity and Breaking Stereotypes
A cornerstone of the project was its emphasis on training. Over 50 coaches and volunteers participated in workshops designed to merge technical finswimming expertise with inclusive practices. These sessions emphasized gender equality and the integration of marginalized communities, equipping trainers with the skills to foster inclusive environments in their local sports programs.
Through its multilingual e-learning platform, the project extended its reach, offering accessible training resources in English, Croatian, Bosnian, Greek, and Albanian. This digital approach not only enhanced the technical capabilities of participants but also underscored the project’s commitment to inclusivity.
Highlighting Success: The Sarajevo Multiplier Sport Event
A key highlight was the Multiplier Sport Event in Sarajevo, which brought together athletes and coaches from across the partner countries. The event featured mixed-gender relay races, workshops on cultural exchange, and inclusive finswimming activities. With over 50 participants and significant local engagement, the event showcased the transformative potential of finswimming in uniting communities and promoting gender equality.
Long-Term Impact and Sustainability
“Mermaids for Inclusion” has left an enduring legacy. The introduction of finswimming into local sports programs, coupled with plans to establish finswimming federations in Bosnia and Kosovo, ensures the project’s sustainability. Additionally, the initiative has inspired spin-off projects and collaborations in countries like Slovenia and Romania.
Lessons for the Future
The success of “Mermaids for Inclusion” demonstrates the profound impact of combining innovative sports with social goals. By creating spaces for women to engage in sports, the project not only addressed gender stereotypes but also empowered participants with confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of community.
For women in the Western Balkans and beyond, finswimming has become more than a sport—it’s a platform for transformation. As initiatives like these continue to expand, they set a precedent for using sports to foster equality, inclusion, and social cohesion.
