KATHMANDU, Nov 8: Around 400 people, including persons with disabilities, participated in the European Union (EU) Inclusion Run 2026 held at Narayan Chaur in Naxal on Saturday, highlighting the importance of inclusion and equal participation in sports.
Organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Nepal, the event provided participants with an opportunity to experience adaptive sports through activities including wheelchair basketball, blind cricket and football.
Participants also took part in a team-based run interspersed with various sporting activities.
‘Run Together Nepal’ for inclusion and diversity
Speaking at the event, EU Ambassador to Nepal Charles Whiteley said inclusion should be demonstrated through action, stressing that sports should be accessible to everyone.
“Today is about much more than running. It is about teamwork, participation, and a simple but important idea: sport is for everyone. We believe our societies are stronger when everyone can participate, contribute and thrive,” he said.
According to an EU press release, the event reflected the EU's broader commitment to promoting inclusion and equal opportunities in Nepal through partnerships with civil society organisations working to increase the participation of young people and persons with disabilities in sports.
The event was organised in partnership with Child Nepal, the Cricket Association of the Blind Nepal, the Nepal Spinal Cord Injury Sports Association and the Nepal Boccia Association for the Disabled. Meltdown coordinated the run.
The press release said Child Nepal, United Community Nepal and Protection Nepal are implementing the EU-funded Sidelines to the Stadium project, which provides football training to marginalised young people from urban communities and helps them pursue pathways towards professional football.
Similarly, the Cricket Association of the Blind Nepal, the Nepal Spinal Cord Injury Sports Association and the Nepal Boccia Association for the Disabled are implementing the Mainstreaming Inclusive Sports in Nepal project, which promotes disability sports through advocacy, training and the development of inclusive sports venues.
