The European School Sport Day (ESSD) 2024 in Poland showcased an inspiring commitment to inclusive physical education and integrating movement into everyday learning. This year's focus on Physically Active Learning and the theme "Everyone Can Move" emphasised the accessibility of sports and education for all children, regardless of their abilities.

Transforming Classrooms Through Movement

Polish schools and kindergartens embraced the innovative concept of "Education through movement" with ready-to-use materials called Active Lesson Plan and a creative competition titled Lesson in Motion. These resources encouraged teachers to blend physical activity with academic lessons, proving that movement can enhance learning outcomes across subjects. The competition highlighted the creativity of teachers and students, rewarding 16 outstanding entries with gift cards co-funded by State Fund for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (PFRON) and the European Union.

Inclusive Activities: A Priority

Inclusivity was a cornerstone of this year’s ESSD in Poland. Thanks to support from the PFRON, event materials were adapted to cater to children with visual, hearing, intellectual, and motor impairments. Resources, including videos and radio plays, were tailored to each group’s needs and are accessible online via the Akademia Krokieta & Lamy YouTube channel.

The program also introduced five adaptive game scenarios, ensuring all children could actively participate. This approach underscored a powerful message: disability does not mean impossibility.

Engaging Communities and Institutions

Participation in ESSD 2024 was widespread, with 1,553 schools and kindergartens registering activities involving over 193,000 children and 12,900 teachers. Social media played a major role in amplifying the event's reach, with nearly 2,000 posts under hashtags such as #ESSD2024 and #BeActive. Dedicated platforms allowed schools to generate certificates and diplomas, fostering pride and recognition for their involvement.

Recognising Excellence

ESSD 2024 in Poland benefited from high-profile endorsements, including appearances by renowned athletes Marcin Urbaś and Alicja Klasik, and contributions from creative talents like Mery from the Krokiet & Lama Academy. Their participation inspired young learners and reinforced the event's inclusion and active engagement message.

Key to Success

The success of ESSD 2024 in Poland can be attributed to its comprehensive approach: providing ready-to-use materials, fostering inclusivity, leveraging extensive communication strategies, special emphasis on the commitment of children with disabilities and celebrating participant creativity. These elements combined to create a vibrant and meaningful celebration of sport and education.

By making physical activity a cornerstone of education, ESSD 2024 has set a benchmark for inclusive and engaging learning experiences, proving that movement can unite and inspire learners of all abilities.

For more information and resources, visit the official ESSD Poland website www.essd.v4sport.eu or follow their social media updates under #ESSD2024, or on their Facebook profile https://www.facebook.com/EuropejskiDzienSportuSzkolnego