Mixed Ability week in Pamplona granted UNESCO patronage!

We are thrilled to announce that the Mixed Ability Games, Inclusion and Co-production (MAGIC) 2025 event has been granted the UNESCO Patronage!

The week, co-financed by the European Commission through its Erasmus+ Sport scheme, will include the 4^th IMART world cup, Mixed Ability competitions in basketball, rowing, football, floor curl, golf, goalball and handball, as well as a ‘fringe’ event and an international conference.

Granting the patronage, the Director General said: “I commend the International Mixed Ability Sports for organizing this event, which promotes sport and education as key vehicles for inclusion. By bringing together over 1,500 participants with and without disabilities from more than 22 countries, the Games promote accessibility, diversity, and participation in sport, and demonstrate its power as a tool for social change. The synergy between sporting competitions, educational conferences, and policy discussions offers a holistic approach to advancing inclusion and equality, both within the sport sector and in society at large. As such, this event aligns with UNESCO’s wider mandate, and especially with our Fit for Life Global Sport Alliance, which seeks to create inclusive, equitable, and safe spaces for all in sport.”

Martino Corazza, Director and Co-founder at IMAS added: “We are delighted that the UNESCO recognises the contribution Mixed Ability brings to achieving full inclusion through education and practical participation. Mixed Ability is grounded in a right-based approach to sport, encouraging the participation, to the fullest extent possible, of people with disabilities in mainstream clubs at all levels. All Mixed Ability activities are deeply rooted in their communities, facilitating the creation of safe, welcoming and non-judgemental environments, where people can achieve their goals, ambitions and dreams, being active for life. With the global stage offered by MAGIC and IMART – we hope our model will become available to even more people, clubs and communities across the world!”.

MAGIC and IMART 2025 will take place in Pamplona, Spain, from June 23 to 27, 2025.