Project Inspire Forges Partnership with RVAccess
A New Era of Inclusive Soccer Initiatives
An exciting new partnership is in the works for Project Inspire. RVAccess, the pioneer organization in the Richmond, VA area asserting inclusion within soccer by making the game accessible to people with intellectual disabilities (ID), has agreed to extend their expertise to the Project Inspire Foundation as the two join forces to create a pathway for even greater participation and support. As the principal motivation for our organization, RVAccess will play an indispensable role in this movement by providing resources to enhance the development of players, coaches, and volunteers in a way they have successfully achieved since 2011. The objectives of this partnership are threefold:
Create a channel for athletes, coaches, and volunteers into Inspire teams
As we aim to expand the initiative already set by RVAccess, our partners will allow a pathway to seamlessly transition to a more competitive environment for those athletes, coaches, and volunteers who wish to do so. We are confident that this incremental exposure to the game will benefit all involved.
Provide guidance in fostering inclusive treatment and participation of athletes with ID, tailored to the needs of the individual
With over a decade of experience working with athletes with ID, RVAccess will serve as the standard for how we approach complex disabilities and adapt training methods accordingly. They will help provide the necessary auxiliary tools for staff to establish the appropriate conditions for healthy competition and a safe space for each individual.
Promote the growth of initiatives for athletes with ID in soccer at a local and national level
Together, we will advocate for programs that enhance the presence and success of athletes with intellectual disabilities in the soccer community, both locally and nationally.
“Getting to know the athletes and playing soccer with them became the best part of my week.”
“We are very excited for this partnership,” stated co-founder Nil Vinyals regarding the venture. “It will provide athletes in Richmond the opportunity to participate in an organized national competition for the years to come.” This sentiment was echoed by his partner and co-founder João Gomiero who shared a personal connection with the organization. “Ever since my first time with RVAccess, my life has been changed. Getting to know the athletes and playing soccer with them became the best part of my week. Each meaningful relationship forged during the training sessions became a new and unforgettable story, leading me to start this new adventure with Project Inspire.”
As we embark on this journey, we invite our community to join us in celebrating our partnerships and mobilizing our efforts to make soccer an equitable experience for all. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming initiatives and opportunities to get involved.
