„GemeinsamAktiv“ – Buddy Programme at University Sports
The Buddy Programme "GemeinsamAktiv" of the University Sports Department aims to offer an inclusive sports programme for students in order to reduce barriers and inhibitions to using sports facilities. The programme is open to all students at the University of Bonn. The individual needs of athletes with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses are taken into account and the buddies are trained accordingly.
Aim of the programme
The "GemeinsamAktiv" programme aims to establish an inclusive sports community at the university in which all students feel welcome. A supportive sports environment is created in which everyone can experience the positive effects of physical activity and social interaction.
The programme is supported by the personal relationships between the buddies, who form a tandem for exercising and possibly other activities. This not only helps to overcome social barriers, but also to form sporting partnerships and even friendships.
Individual support and guidance make it easier for all students to participate in university sports, regardless of their individual ability, existing social contacts, physical and mental impairments or special needs.
The Buddy Programme is based on the concept of learning in tandem and assumes that people learn with and from each other while supporting each other. Taking part in the university sports programme together has many advantages for the buddies. They can be active and have fun together, support each other during orientation and when familiarising themselves with the sports facilities, explain procedures, reduce social anxiety during group work and take on a navigation or assistance function.
Benefits of the Buddy Programme
Networking, support and guidance
... in sporting activities with and through other students. Enables greater safety and well-being for participation in university sport.
Empathy and sensitisation
All participants learn to better understand the perspectives and needs of other people (with and without disabilities). This promotes empathy and sensitisation to the diversity of life experiences.
Community and social integration
Becoming part of a community of sports enthusiasts and being involved in university sports, making new friends and feeling welcome in a supportive environment.
Access to special resources
... and support services to achieve sporting goals, for example through individualised adaptations or aids.
Promoting physical well-being and health
... through exercise and experiences in the community.
Learning new skills
... in the areas of sport, communication or self-management.
Matching of the Buddys
Buddies are matched individually based on sporting interests and personal preferences. A questionnaire is used to determine this, as well as personal interviews. Matching takes place on a 1:1 basis, i.e. tandems are formed.
Matching takes place according to individual needs, for example based on:
- Interests and sporting activities
- Expertise and experience (experienced athletes or coaches can serve as buddies for participants with less experience or knowledge in a particular sport to help them improve their skills)
- Availability and schedule
- Needs and support (people with disabilities or chronic illness may have special needs that are taken into account when selecting their buddies)
- If possible: Personal preferences, such as age, gender, hobbies or other commonalities to foster a good relationship and mutual support.
Benefits of participation
Acquiring trainer licences
It is possible for all participants to obtain both the "Trainer B Licence" and the "Trainer B Licence Group Fitness" as part of participation in the Buddy Programme. The prerequisite for this is 6 months' participation in the Buddy Programme. In addition, it is possible to take part in a training course for the design of content for inclusive courses and to acquire skills for leading inclusive sports groups. There is also the option to train as a "Trainer for the (inclusive) Pausenexpress".
Further benefits from the Buddy Programme:
- Certificate of participation
- Gain new perspectives
- Expand social skills
- Strengthen empathy and sensitivity
- Opportunity to make new friends
- Further develop sporting skills
- Share experiences and knowledge with buddies
- Learn from the individual strengths of buddies
- Strengthen confidence
- Develop a sense of belonging to the university community
Sports offers
All university sports programmes can be used as well as the following inclusive university sports programmes:
- Inclusion in Badminton
- Inclusion in Pilates (returning WS 24/25)
- Inclusion in Pole Art Fitness
- Wheelchair dance (planned to start WS 24/25)
- Inclusion in Table Tennis
Roadmap
The programme runs for six months and starts in the winter semester of 2024 (kick-off is in October 2024; registration deadline is October 25). It will be framed by workshops, regular meetings and training sessions held by internal and external instructors. At an opening workshop, participants are introduced to the project, get to know their buddies and can make arrangements and clarify expectations. At the event, they are also shown where they can find an overview of the sports programmes online and how they can register for a course (a semester card must be owned when registering for the courses).
The rest of the time, the buddies are free to use all university sports courses together. They can contact the team and trainers at any time with questions.
There is space for peer support during the programme: Participants are given the opportunity to exchange ideas and connect with each other at around six additional peer meetings to talk about their experiences with the programme. There is also the opportunity to address challenges and give feedback. Accompanying supervision can be offered if required. Participating in joint sporting activities for the entire buddy group is also possible. All participants can attend a training course on inclusion in sport. The dates for the peer meetings are yet to be announced.
Opening workshop
Date to be announced
Location
Nachtigallenweg 86, 53127 Bonn-Venusberg
Facilities: barrier-free access, mobile barrier-free WC
A kick-off workshop is offered before the start of the programme. On the one hand, this serves to train the participants and trainers, and on the other hand, it is intended in particular to talk about expectations and to establish what can and cannot be done as part of the buddy programme. While clarifying which role each participant will take, agreements are made and boundaries are defined.
Closing workshop
Date to be announced
Location
Nachtigallenweg 86, 53127 Bonn-Venusberg
A final workshop serves to reflect on the shared experiences, provide critical and constructive feedback and exchange ideas for further development in order to meet the changing needs and experiences of the participants.
