„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.
Notice regarding registration
Due to a technical problem with the registration form, the registration period has been extended until November 26th. Earlier registrations may not have been transmitted. Please register again. The kick-off workshop has been postponed to December 3rd.
Procedure
- Registration: Register for participation here by November 26th. The Buddy Programme will initially run as a pilot project for one semester (until 31.03.25).
- Fill in the questionnaire: You will receive a questionnaire with your confirmation of participation. This will act as the basis for matching buddies. Fill it out and send it back to us!
- Kick-off workshop and matching: At the kick-off workshop on December 3rd, 2024, you will get to know your buddies and can make agreements about expectations, goals and personal boundaries. If your buddy doesn't suit you, there is the option to swap. Talk to us!
- Doing sports together: Now you can sign up for sports courses with your buddy so you can be active together. You can contact the Buddy Programme team and the coaches at any time if you have questions.
- Peer support: Our peer counsellor Anastacia offers regular exchange meetings for all buddies. You can share your experiences there or bring up potential problems. We also plan joint sports activities for the whole group.
Aim of the programme
Everyone should feel comfortable doing sports. We provide the framework for this. You are in the right place in the programme, if
... you need support with sport due to a disability/chronic illness,
... you can offer sports support to others,
... you don't want to do sports on your own,
... you are looking for someone to motivate and push you, or want to be motivated and pushed,
... you want to meet new people.
Who can participate?
All students at the University of Bonn can take part in GemeinsamAktiv. In the programme, two people are matched as buddies who can support each other in overcoming potential barriers in sports. In particular, students with physical or mental disabilities are given the opportunity to take part in sports courses to which they would otherwise not have access.
Participants in the buddy programme can be active and have fun together, support each other during orientation and when getting to know the sports facilities, explain procedures to each other, reduce social anxiety during group work and take on a navigational or assistance function for the other person. In this way, they can learn in tandem and form sporting partnerships and even friendships.
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".
Frequently Asked Questions
To take part in the Buddy Programme, you need a semester card for university sports, which costs €10 for students. This allows you to register for the courses which costs you have to cover yourself. There are no further costs. The acquisition of trainer licences is free of charge for participants in the Buddy Programme (contact us!).
You will get to know our peer counsellor Anastasia at the kick-off workshop. She will accompany the programme and regularly offer an exchange and sports format for the entire group.
The venue ‘Nachtigallenweg 86’ and the sports facilities there are barrier-free. Unfortunately there is no barrier-free WC there yet!
- Arrival by car: Free parking spaces on site
- Take the 600 or 601 bus to the ‘Haager Weg’ stop. From there, a tarmac path leads to the sports grounds.
We want to offer you a safe space as part of the Buddy Programme so that everyone feels safe and welcome. At the kick-off workshop, we will talk to you about our ‘code of honour’ and get your commitment to it. The university sports trainers are sensitised. However, should situations arise in which you feel uncomfortable or experience discrimination, please contact us directly. We will find a solution together.
Accompanying and supporting each other during sports is a responsible task. Be aware of your personal and physical limits and only do what you feel comfortable and safe with. During the matching session, you will be given time to clarify each other's role. If situations arise that are too demanding, speak to our peer counsellor or us directly.
Students at the University of Bonn are covered by statutory accident insurance while participating in the university sports programme. You can find more information in the general conditions of participation of the university sports programme.
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
- Inclusion in Table Tennis
Kick-off workshop
Tuesday, December 03, 2024
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.
Schedule
4:00 p.m.
Opening by the project team
- Key data on the project
- Awareness, code of honour
- Information on matching
4:10 p.m.
Short presentations
- Helle Deertz (inclusion guide and trainer for wheelchair dance): What is inclusion? Why is participation so important?
- Maurin Stübi (university sports employee; Paralympic badminton professional): Field report
- Axel Görgens (Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association NRW): How can (inclusive) sports programmes be designed? What can adaptations look like? What challenges are there?
5.00 p.m.
Bio break
5:10 p.m.
Networking / get-to-know-you games (Axel Görgens)
6:10 p.m.
Break (light refreshments and snacks)
6:25 p.m.
Peer support / getting to know each other / matching / arrangements
- Exchange
- Clarify assignments / expectations
From 6:45 p.m.
Information on how to proceed / questions
End 7:00 p.m.
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.
