In an era where sport is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool for social change, the “Mermaids for Inclusion” project stands out as a model of innovation and impact. Co-financed by Erasmus+ Sport and the Government of Croatia, and coordinated by Finswimming Team Komet, the initiative introduced finswimming as a grassroots sport across the Western Balkans, with a strong focus on gender equality and social inclusion.

Finswimming as a Platform for Inclusion
The project’s main goal was to empower women and underrepresented groups by introducing finswimming — an engaging and lesser-known aquatic discipline — in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. Its novelty helped attract a wide and diverse range of participants, including ethnic minorities, women, and people with disabilities. Finswimming became a common ground — an activity that transcended cultural and social boundaries and created meaningful connections across communities.

Training for Change
A key element of the project was capacity-building. More than 50 coaches and volunteers participated in hands-on training workshops that combined technical finswimming instruction with inclusive and gender-sensitive coaching practices. These sessions prepared local leaders to integrate marginalized communities into regular sports programs and fostered environments that are both supportive and welcoming.

A multilingual e-learning platform extended the project’s reach, offering resources in English, Croatian, Bosnian, Greek, and Albanian. This online approach made education accessible and demonstrated the project’s commitment to inclusion at every level.

Sarajevo’s Multiplier Sport Event: A Milestone
One of the project’s highlights was the Multiplier Sport Event in Sarajevo, which gathered athletes, coaches, and stakeholders from all partner countries. Activities included mixed-gender relay races, cultural exchange workshops, and inclusive finswimming sessions. With over 50 participants and strong local visibility, the event showcased how sport — when designed intentionally — can create unity and promote gender equality.

Sustainability and Long-Term Impact
“Mermaids for Inclusion” has already had a lasting influence. Finswimming is now integrated into sports programs in Bosnia and Kosovo, with plans underway to establish new finswimming federations. The initiative has also inspired follow-up projects in Slovenia and Romania, proving its relevance and scalability.

A Blueprint for Inclusive Sport
The project illustrates how sports innovation and social goals can intersect powerfully. By creating opportunities for women to explore a new sport in a safe and inclusive environment, “Mermaids for Inclusion” helped dismantle gender stereotypes while building confidence, leadership, and community.

For many women in the Western Balkans, finswimming is now more than a sport — it’s a vehicle for empowerment. Projects like this are setting new standards for how sport can serve as a bridge to inclusion, equality, and lasting social impact.