Sport for everyone: A step towards inclusion in Cologne!

Sport for everyone: A step towards inclusion in Cologne!

On September 12, 2025 will take place at German Sports University Cologne a key event of the EU research project “ALLSTARS”. It is dedicated to local sports policy and aims to improve sports participation among marginalized groups. The final presentation, which will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., promises a comprehensive exchange about access to sport for underrepresented groups in society.

The “ALLSTARS” project aims to remedy the deficits in the existing sports policy. Current programs often only reach wealthy, healthy and young members of society, while poorer, physically disabled, older, migrant or non-male citizens are often excluded. This means that the diversity of participants in sport does not correspond to social conditions, which makes a more comprehensive and inclusive sports policy urgently needed.

Invitation to discussion

Representatives from politics, city administration, organized sports and civil society are invited to the event. The title of the event is “The City, Sport and the Edge,” which brings the central theme of integration to the fore. The moderator Nora Hespers, an experienced freelance journalist, will lead the panel discussion, which will also be attended by representatives of the German Association of Cities, the LSB Lower Saxony, the Gold Kraemer Foundation and RheinFlanke gGmbH. Participation is free, but online registration is required.

By evaluating successful good practice projects, a deeper understanding of the need and implementation of sports projects that address marginalized groups should be developed. The focus is on creating networks that are essential for the implementation of such projects.

Need for change

The change in sports policy is as urgent as it is necessary. Local sports clubs play a crucial role in this process by offering opportunities for integration and thus contributing to the social participation of all social groups. New and innovative approaches at local level are needed to actively involve marginalized groups in sports projects and promote their participation.

Focusing on local solutions means shaping policy to meet the needs of all citizens. Exchange within the community and between different institutions is crucial to achieve sustainable progress.

The “ALLSTARS” project not only offers the opportunity to reflect on existing structures, but also to develop new strategies that promote integration in and through sport. For further information about the event and to register, those interested can visit the website www.dshs-koeln.de/allstars visit.

A look beyond this shows that the challenges in the area of ​​sport and integration are by no means new. Previous studies, such as those by bpb, have shown that sport can be a bridge for intercultural exchange and integration. Despite all efforts, making sport inclusive remains one of the central challenges for a future-oriented society.