Start Date
16-6-2025 3:30 PM
End Date
16-6-2025 5:00 PM
Abstract
Dutch researchers at the top of their field were frequently asked to share knowledge at international conferences or sports programs abroad, yet Dutch sports federations often lack awareness of their work or how to engage with them. This disconnection between research and practice created a gap in effectively supporting Paralympic athletes. To close this gap, Paralympic Science Support NL (PSS-NL) was established with support from the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sports.
PSS-NL aims to create a supportive environment where adaptive sports programs can develop using knowledge. PSS-NL serves as a national hub for paralympic sports federations and academia, fostering an ecosystem that promotes collaboration across sectors and ensures resources are allocated effectively. Using a two-way approach, it focuses on optimizing athletic performance and care by transforming scientific research into practical tools and strategies and generating knowledge through research with targeted and coordinated alignment between universities. Ensuring long-term sustainability and inclusivity in sports development.
By concentrating on elite sports, it creates a top-down knowledge approach that also benefits adaptive sports teams, contributing to the sustainable development of Paralympic and inclusive sports systems. All knowledge generated through PSS-NL is freely accessible online, providing benefits to both elite programs and adaptive sports initiatives more broadly.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 11, "Sustainable Cities and Communities," this approach helps create a sustainable and reliable community, offering equal knowledge opportunities in sports for persons with disabilities.
Recommended Citation
Blaauw, Eline, "Bridging Science and Sports: The Role of Paralympic Science Support NL in creating a sustainable community" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 25.
https://sword.mtu.ie/isapa/2025/day1/25
Bridging Science and Sports: The Role of Paralympic Science Support NL in creating a sustainable community
Dutch researchers at the top of their field were frequently asked to share knowledge at international conferences or sports programs abroad, yet Dutch sports federations often lack awareness of their work or how to engage with them. This disconnection between research and practice created a gap in effectively supporting Paralympic athletes. To close this gap, Paralympic Science Support NL (PSS-NL) was established with support from the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sports.
PSS-NL aims to create a supportive environment where adaptive sports programs can develop using knowledge. PSS-NL serves as a national hub for paralympic sports federations and academia, fostering an ecosystem that promotes collaboration across sectors and ensures resources are allocated effectively. Using a two-way approach, it focuses on optimizing athletic performance and care by transforming scientific research into practical tools and strategies and generating knowledge through research with targeted and coordinated alignment between universities. Ensuring long-term sustainability and inclusivity in sports development.
By concentrating on elite sports, it creates a top-down knowledge approach that also benefits adaptive sports teams, contributing to the sustainable development of Paralympic and inclusive sports systems. All knowledge generated through PSS-NL is freely accessible online, providing benefits to both elite programs and adaptive sports initiatives more broadly.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 11, "Sustainable Cities and Communities," this approach helps create a sustainable and reliable community, offering equal knowledge opportunities in sports for persons with disabilities.