QIS – All In Project Officially launched in Lisbon

Kick-Off Meeting sets the foundation for inclusive sport across Europe

The QIS – All In project officially began with its Kick-Off Meeting on 30 January 2025, held at the Youth Centre of the National Institute for Sports and Youth (IPDJ), Expo – Lisbon. The meeting marked the first in-person gathering of the project partners and laid the foundations for a shared vision, strong collaboration and a common understanding of the work ahead.

The meeting was hosted by the Portuguese Paralympic Committee, the project coordinator, bringing together partners from across Europe working in sport, accessibility, education, governance and inclusion.

A strong start with a clear vision

The Kick-Off Meeting opened with a welcome address by Sandro Araújo, Vice-President of the Portuguese Paralympic Committee, who emphasised both the ambition and responsibility behind the project.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to coordinate an international team of outstanding quality and experience in a pioneering project that aims to ensure greater accessibility in sports. We hope it will serve as a milestone in transforming sports infrastructures while also contributing to shifting perceptions and mindsets among athletes, technical staff, and beyond.”

His words set the tone for the day — highlighting that QIS – All In is not only about infrastructure and standards, but also about long-term cultural change in how accessibility and inclusion are understood in sport.

Project goals and shared direction

Following the welcome, the Portuguese Paralympic Committee presented the project overview, thanking all partners for their commitment and contribution in making the project possible.

Key objectives of QIS – All In were clearly outlined:

  • to make the project useful, practical, effective and scalable
  • to identify and analyse best practices and existing standards across Europe
  • to develop a Guide of Best Practices and practical tools for sports facilities
  • to clearly communicate that the project is not creating an ISO standard, but rather a flexible, accessible and realistic certification framework that supports improvement

 

Partners discussed roles, responsibilities, timelines and work packages, ensuring a shared understanding of expectations and next steps.

Building collaboration from day one

Beyond formal presentations, the Kick-Off Meeting created space for dialogue and exchange between partners with diverse backgrounds. From Paralympic sport and public authorities to digital development, architecture and communication, the meeting reinforced the value of cross-sector cooperation.

This collaborative approach is central to QIS – All In — ensuring that accessibility standards are shaped by expertise, lived experience and practical realities.

Early recognition at European level

The meeting also marked an encouraging early milestone for the project: QIS – All In was invited to be presented at the European Paralympic Committee (EPC) Conference on 29 August. The project will be showcased through a 10-minute presentation delivered by a representative of the Portuguese Paralympic Committee.

This invitation highlights the relevance of the project at European level and confirms strong interest in its goals and methodology from the wider Paralympic and sport community.

Looking ahead

The Kick-Off Meeting in Lisbon set a solid foundation for the months ahead. With a motivated consortium, a clear roadmap and strong leadership, QIS – All In begins its journey with a shared commitment to making sport more accessible, inclusive and equitable across Europe.

Because creating quality sport spaces without barriers starts with collaboration and that work has officially begun.

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