During the PASTECHL Bar 2026 Conference, held in Bar, Montenegro, from April 23 to 26, 2026, the Erasmus+ Sport project USSI – Universal Sports for Social Impact was officially presented. The project was introduced by Miodrag Zarubica, Executive Director of PASTECHL and researcher at the University of Montenegro, within a special session dedicated to international projects and initiatives in the fields of sport, education, and social inclusion.
USSI is an international Erasmus+ Sport project focused on strengthening the capacities of grassroots sport organizations while promoting social inclusion, positive values, and healthy lifestyles through sport. The project brings together partners from several European countries, including Physical Activity and Sports Tech for Healthy Lifestyles (PASTECHL) and the Faculty for Sport and Physical Education at the University of Montenegro.
A key aspect of the project is the application of methodologies inspired by martial arts principles, promoting discipline, respect, tolerance, teamwork, and social responsibility among young people. Project activities include educational programs for coaches and sport educators, the development of innovative educational toolkits, and the organization of local workshops and community events aimed at engaging children and youth from diverse social backgrounds.
The project has a duration of 24 months and is implemented through cooperation between organizations from Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. With a total budget of €193,331.88, USSI is expected to contribute to the development of inclusive sport environments, strengthen international cooperation, and promote sport as a tool for positive social change.
Project outlines and short biographies of the presenters can be found in the Book of Abstracts available at the following link.