LOGO SKIB - Skateboarding in Blue

Project number  101133394

Programme        Erasmus+ Sport - Small-scale Partnerships

Coordinator        Federazione Italiana Sport Rotellistici (FISR)

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Project summary

SKIB - Skateboarding in Blue is an Erasmus+ Sport project, coordinated by the Italian Roller Sports Federation (FISR), aimed at developing and consolidating inclusive pathways for children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through skateboarding.

The project is based on the idea that the skatepark can become an inclusive learning environment: a place where motor development, autonomy, confidence, communication and social interaction can be encouraged through structured, progressive and motivating activities.

SKIB responds to a concrete need in grassroots sport. Many local sport organisations are willing to include children and young people with complex needs, but they often lack specific tools, training and operational models. The project therefore developed a practical and transferable methodology that can support clubs, coaches, families and specialist services.

Coordinator contact details

Federazione Italiana Sport Rotellistici (FISR) - Italy
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Participating organisations

• Federazione Italiana Sport Rotellistici (FISR), Italy - project coordination and integration within the federal inclusive sport approach.
• BSS Bologna Skateschool Associazione Sportiva Dilettantistica, Italy - pilot implementation in Italy.
• UOSI Unita Operativa Disturbi dello Spettro Autistico - AUSL Bologna, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, Italy - scientific and psycho-educational supervision.
• Associacao Desportiva Rollerskate Carnaxide, Portugal - pilot implementation in Portugal.

Activities

The project implemented pilot activities in two European contexts, Bologna in Italy and Lisbon in Portugal, using the skatepark as a common environment for learning, observation and inclusion.

The activities followed a progressive structure: individual sessions to introduce basic skateboarding skills and build trust with the coach; small-group sessions to gradually add the collective dimension; and community-based initiatives involving families and local stakeholders.

The process was supported by continuous observation and documentation, including lesson reports, questionnaires, video materials and structured feedback from instructors, families and specialist partners.

Project results and outputs

SKIB produced a structured, field-tested and transferable methodology for inclusive skateboarding addressed to children and adolescents with ASD. The methodology was developed through cooperation between sport organisations, ASD specialists, educators and families, and was tested in real skatepark settings in Italy and Portugal.

A central result of the project is the SKIB Digital Toolkit, designed as a practical guide for organisations wishing to implement the SKIB model in new contexts. The Toolkit does not function as a rigid manual, but as a working resource that combines the project narrative, operational guidance, ready-to-use tools and lessons learned from the pilot experience.

The project defined an inclusive teaching model based on gradual progression, individual and small-group sessions, visual supports, task analysis, modelling, prompting, positive reinforcement, continuous observation and dialogue with families. These elements make skateboarding accessible not only as a recreational activity, but as a structured opportunity to support autonomy, communication, social interaction, motor skills and participation.

• SKIB Digital Toolkit with narrative guidance and operational tools.
• Methodological guidelines for inclusive skateboarding.
• Structured teaching protocol for children and adolescents with ASD.
• Session logbook templates and tools for documenting progress.
• Visual agendas, visual supports and practical materials for session management.
• Questionnaires for instructors and parents or caregivers.
• Space and session checklists to support safe and predictable environments.
• Video documentation and awareness-raising materials.
• A documentary promoting inclusive sport and the educational value of skateboarding.
• A transferable implementation pathway for sport clubs, ASD services, schools, family associations and local communities.

The evaluation process documented relevant changes within the skatepark context, including improvements observed by instructors in personal autonomy, engagement, motor competence, attention and orientation, communication and social interaction. Families also provided feedback on perceived changes, with particular relevance for socialisation and continuity of the activity beyond the project.

One of the most important sustainability results is the integration of the SKIB methodology into FISR’s federal work on inclusive skateboarding and roller sports. This ensures that the knowledge developed through the project does not remain limited to the pilot experience, but becomes part of a broader institutional approach to accessibility, coach development and inclusive sport practice.

Overall, SKIB demonstrated that skateboarding, when supported by appropriate methods, trained staff, prepared environments and cooperation with specialist services, can become a meaningful space for growth, wellbeing and participation for children and adolescents with ASD.

Communication, dissemination and visibility

The project was disseminated through international cooperation activities, public awareness initiatives and communication actions addressed to sport organisations, families and local communities. Visibility actions also included initiatives connected with the European Week of Sport and World Autism Awareness Day.

SKIB digital resources:

Scan the QR code to access the documentation

Disclaimer

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.