The aim of the project is to support the development of the Bulgarian Paralympic movement in the following areas: - Create improved conditions for the preparation, training and successful participation of Bulgarian para-athletes in world and European championships and other qualifying events that would help them attain their quotas for the Tokyo 2002 Paralympic Games; - Successful participation of Bulgarian para-athletes in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games; - Enable and improve rehabilitation of people with disabilities through sports; - Foster a more inclusive society by raising awareness of the need to change perceptions of people with disabilities by shining the spotlight on the Paralympic Movement and para-sport.

The project targets mainly para athletes, members of the national Paralympic team representing different sports and young people / students with disabilities training in different sports clubs. The project also supports capacity building initiatives that benefit the National Paralympic Organization of Bulgaria, the key partner that helps deliver the program.

The project covered the period June 2020 to September 2021

The project covered the period June 2020 to September 2021, during which 900 para-athletes took part in 34 local and international competitions in the different sports – athletics, swimming, wheelchair basketball, table tennis, badminton, rifle shooting, etc. The main objective and culmination was the successful participation of the Bulgarian Paralympians in the Tokyo 2020 Games. After the Games were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program helped ensure there was no breakdown in the training process and athletes continued to train at home (purchase of treadmill, wheelchairs, individual therapy sessions, etc). Program fund were used to buy, design and repair prosthetics, special wheelchairs and other special sports equipment. Also, funds helped cover registration fees and travel expenses ensuring that para-athletes participated in key qualifying events for the Tokyo Games. As a result, Bulgarian para-athletes won a number championship titles and medal in European and world athletics competitions. The highest accolades being the two silver medals from Tokyo2020Paralympic Games for Hristian Stoyanov and Ruzhdi Ruzhdi (1500m and discus respectively).

The benefits of the program are not just evident in the exceptional sports achievements of the Bulgarian para-athletes, but also in the positive changes in the lives the people with disabilities impacted by the project. One of the objectives of the project is to highlight the role of sports in improving the quality of life of people with disabilities by improving their motor skills as well as their ability to overcome daily challenges because of their disabilities. Sports activities also impact positively the psychological state of mind by creating better opportunities for social contacts and interaction. Through their involvement in sports, people with disabilities change the way they are perceived by society - they earn respect and recognition and help build a more inclusive environment