In a gesture of support for inclusion and active living, the European University Sports Association (EUSA) has donated EUSA-branded sports equipment to the Varstveno delovni center (VDC) Toncke Hocevar in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Established as the country’s oldest care and work center, the institution currently supports 254 adults with mental and physical disabilities, offering programs in management, care, employment under special conditions, and accommodation. With 148 staff members and support from volunteers, the center focuses on improving the quality of life and fostering inclusion.

As part of the handover, both organizations held a short meeting to present their missions and ongoing work, exchanging ideas and exploring opportunities for the center’s users to participate in future sporting events. Among these opportunities is the Promotional Inclusive Run over 500 meters, as well as the European Students Run, both taking place as part of the renowned Ljubljana Marathon, offering individuals a chance to engage in sport, celebrate their achievements, and strengthen community inclusion.

The European Students Run is part of EUSA’s Runners4All project, which includes Special Olympics Austria as one of its partners, promoting inclusive sports participation for all students while empowering individuals and fostering community engagement.

Around 50 users of the center actively compete in Special Olympics events, including football, swimming, and athletics. Notably, four athletes from VDC Toncke Hocevar contributed to Slovenia’s gold medal in football at the 16th Special Olympics World Summer Games, held in Berlin in June 2023 under the slogan Invincible Together. The Games gathered 7,000 athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, including 26 Slovenian representatives.

This donation and collaboration highlights the power of sport to connect, inspire, and empower. By donating the equipment, EUSA is not only supporting everyday training but also investing in the joy, confidence, and health of the center’s users. The gesture is a strong recognition of their efforts, talents, and successes, and a celebration of inclusion through sport.