The ParaManager Project aims to transform the management of Paralympic and disability sports through a comprehensive framework, capacity-building e-learning course, and dissemination of good practices. Led by the European Paralympic Committee and supported by seven National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), this project is structured to ensure sustainable impact across Europe and supported by Erasmus+.

ParaManager aims to contribute specifically to the inclusion of citizens with disabilities in sport, through the improvement of sport managers' knowledge and awareness for the specific needs of their participants, and those working with them.

ParaManager is highly relevant because it addresses one of the less visible but most important dimensions of sport development: management capacity.

Strong Para sport systems do not depend only on athletes, coaches and competitions. They also depend on people who can manage programmes, coordinate stakeholders, organise inclusive opportunities, communicate effectively, access funding, support athletes and ensure that organisations are sustainable.

What are the benefits of ParaManager?

It can support staff and volunteers through a structured learning pathway adapted to the Para sport context.

It can offer a common European reference for the skills and competences expected from people working in Para sport management.

It can help sport organisations and others strengthen their internal capacity by using shared tools, templates, learning materials and certification standards.

It can contribute to greater recognition of the people working behind the scenes in Para sport — the managers, coordinators, administrators and project leaders whose work is essential for creating better opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Support cooperation by creating a common language around professional development, inclusion, accessibility and organisational quality.

What has already been developed

Since the beginning of the project, the consortium has focused on building the foundations of the ParaManager pathway.

A key part of this work has been the development of the ParaManager Framework, which defines the profile of a ParaManager and establishes the competence areas, learning outcomes and professional expectations connected to this role. This framework is essential because it gives the project a common reference point: it helps clarify what Para sport managers need to know, what they should be able to do, and how their role can contribute to stronger organisations.

Another important milestone has been the preparation of the learning and certification components. The ParaManager E-learning Course is being structured as the educational part of the pathway, while the Certification System is being developed to validate learning and formally recognise demonstrated competence.

This means that the project is not only producing communication materials or isolated training content. It is progressively building a full professional development pathway: from defining the role, to developing learning, to recognising competence.

Partners

Croatia Paralympic Committee
Hellenic Paralympic Committee
Lithuania Paralympic Committee
Poland Paralympic Committee
Portugal Paralympic Committee
Serbia Paralympic Committee
Slovak Paralympic Committee

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 EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.