Inclusive sports in urban spaces : a social logistics approach

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study examines how contemporary cities can integrate inclusive sports into urban development to strengthen accessibility, participation, and well-being, particularly for people with disabilities. Using the analytical lens of social logistics, the paper investigates how planning, policy design and community engagement contribute to inclusive urban environments that support equality and social cohesion.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research applies a qualitative, comparative approach combining the analysis of more than 30 international, national and municipal policy documents with case studies from major European cities (e.g. Helsinki, Barcelona, London) and medium-sized Polish cities (e.g. Tychy, Gdynia, Katowice). The analytical framework draws on WHO and UN-Habitat indicators related to accessibility, governance coherence and integrated policy design. This multi-scalar approach enables an assessment of how inclusive sports are embedded within broader urban health, education and social policies.

FINDINGS: Findings indicate that cities most advanced in promoting inclusivity treat sport as a public good and strategically integrate universal design, cross-sectoral cooperation and community participation. Despite progress, persistent challenges – such as fragmented governance, limited monitoring, insufficient staff training and financial constraints – continue to hinder coherent implementation. The study identifies a set of transferable principles that support effective development of inclusive sport ecosystems across diverse urban contexts.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The practical contribution of this research lies in providing evidence-based guidance for local governments and planners, particularly metropolitan networks requiring coordinated action across municipalities. The paper offers a structured set of insights for mainstreaming universal design, strengthening collaborative governance and embedding measurable indicators into urban inclusion strategies.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study contributes original value by combining social logistics with inclusive urban planning and disability-oriented sport policy, offering an interdisciplinary framework for analysing and operationalising inclusion in contemporary cities.