New projects benefit from game-changing investment
Laureus Sport for Good today announced a significant new investment in accessibility and inclusive sport across Madrid – confirming its support for two new sport for development projects designed to improve participation pathways for young people with disabilities.
The announcement was made at the Gamechangers: Shaping the Future of Inclusive Sport roundtable, hosted at the Museum of History of Madrid, and delivered in partnership with the British Embassy in Spain as part of the GREAT Gamechangers campaign promoting inclusion, diversity and equality in sport. The event was moderated by former Spanish Olympic rugby player Patricia García Rodríguez.
The roundtable brought together leaders in adaptive sport, academia and grassroots innovation from Spain and the UK. The event highlighted how sport can act as a catalyst for growth, accessibility and social cohesion through technology, programme innovation and international collaboration.
The roundtable brought together leaders in adaptive sport, academia and grassroots innovation from Spain and the UK. The event highlighted how sport can act as a catalyst for growth, accessibility and social cohesion through technology, programme innovation and international collaboration.
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The announcement was made at the Gamechangers: Shaping the Future of Inclusive Sport roundtable, hosted at the Museum of History of Madrid, and delivered in partnership with the British Embassy in Spain as part of the GREAT Gamechangers campaign promoting inclusion, diversity and equality in sport. The event was moderated by former Spanish Olympic rugby player Patricia García Rodríguez.
The roundtable brought together leaders in adaptive sport, academia and grassroots innovation from Spain and the UK. The event highlighted how sport can act as a catalyst for growth, accessibility and social cohesion through technology, programme innovation and international collaboration.
The roundtable brought together leaders in adaptive sport, academia and grassroots innovation from Spain and the UK. The event highlighted how sport can act as a catalyst for growth, accessibility and social cohesion through technology, programme innovation and international collaboration.
Andy Barrow, Laureus Ambassador, speaker and former GB wheelchair rugby Paralympian, said: “Being part of this roundtable was a powerful reminder of why inclusive and adaptive sport matters. Having represented Great Britain in wheelchair rugby across three Paralympic Games and captained the national team, I’ve seen first-hand how access to sport can transform disabled people’s lives by providing equal opportunities to be part of communities where they can build confidence and gain life experience. What inspired me today was the commitment from both the UK and Spain to push innovation, collaboration and inclusion further than ever before. Initiatives like the ones Laureus is supporting in Madrid show what’s possible when we design sport with every athlete in mind."
Almudena Fernández, founder of Kind Surf – a project nominated for the 2025 Laureus Sport for Good Award – said: “Inclusive sport can open doors for young people who are too often left out. Since founding Kind Surf in 2012, I’ve seen more than 1,500 young people experience the confidence and belonging that surf therapy can bring, and those stories give real meaning to events like this. What inspires me today is seeing Laureus and partners from both Spain and the UK unite around innovation, accessibility and community-led programmes. When we work together, we can build sporting environments where every young person – regardless of ability – has the chance to thrive.”
Sir Alex Ellis, the British Ambassador to Spain said: “In the UK and Spain, sport is not just a pastime but also part of our countries’ identities, a driver of economic growth that supports jobs, innovation and international connections, and I am proud that the UK is at the forefront of adaptive technology. Through the Gamechangers campaign, the British Embassy is delighted to play a part in facilitating the sharing of experience between our two great sporting nations, so that inclusion becomes the norm rather than the exception."
Almudena Fernández, founder of Kind Surf – a project nominated for the 2025 Laureus Sport for Good Award – said: “Inclusive sport can open doors for young people who are too often left out. Since founding Kind Surf in 2012, I’ve seen more than 1,500 young people experience the confidence and belonging that surf therapy can bring, and those stories give real meaning to events like this. What inspires me today is seeing Laureus and partners from both Spain and the UK unite around innovation, accessibility and community-led programmes. When we work together, we can build sporting environments where every young person – regardless of ability – has the chance to thrive.”
Sir Alex Ellis, the British Ambassador to Spain said: “In the UK and Spain, sport is not just a pastime but also part of our countries’ identities, a driver of economic growth that supports jobs, innovation and international connections, and I am proud that the UK is at the forefront of adaptive technology. Through the Gamechangers campaign, the British Embassy is delighted to play a part in facilitating the sharing of experience between our two great sporting nations, so that inclusion becomes the norm rather than the exception."
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The British Embassy in Spain, through the GREAT Gamechangers campaign, continues to champion inclusion, diversity and equality in sport – mobilising UK and Spanish partners to show how shared values can drive meaningful social change. This collaboration with Laureus builds on an ongoing commitment to ensuring sport is accessible to young people of all abilities.
Laureus Sport for Good is a global leader in the sport for development sector, supporting more than 300 programmes worldwide. Through its new commitments in Madrid, Laureus aims to broaden access to sport, strengthen inclusive pathways for young people with disabilities and empower local organisations with deep community knowledge.
The Shaping the Future of Inclusive Sport roundtable is supported by GREAT’s Gamechangers campaign, celebrating the UK’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion through sportspeople and activities that truly move the goalposts. GREAT is the UK government’s international marketing campaign, showcasing the very best of the UK.
GREAT sport is played by Gamechangers.
Laureus Sport for Good is a global leader in the sport for development sector, supporting more than 300 programmes worldwide. Through its new commitments in Madrid, Laureus aims to broaden access to sport, strengthen inclusive pathways for young people with disabilities and empower local organisations with deep community knowledge.
The Shaping the Future of Inclusive Sport roundtable is supported by GREAT’s Gamechangers campaign, celebrating the UK’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion through sportspeople and activities that truly move the goalposts. GREAT is the UK government’s international marketing campaign, showcasing the very best of the UK.
GREAT sport is played by Gamechangers.
