Each partner, in the Moving On project, will be hold a number of RoundTable meetings with national decision makers about the findings and future plans of the project.

The main objectives are:

• to share the main results of the research among key actors at national level, increasing awareness on the importance of including sport in the focus of national strategies of inclusion and information about barriers that RST face
• to promote networking and cooperation between national authorities, sport organisations and social inclusion organisations that work or are entitled to work in EU and local contexts in sport and inclusion of RST citizens to further implement and develop effective national strategies and initiatives for inclusion to elaborate measures to navigate them

For the intitial RoundTables, partners invite relevant national institutions, sport and social inclusion organisations, amd NGOs to discuss the development and implementation of inclusive strategies that can valorise sport as a tool of inclusion for RST. Specific attention will be given to analysing weaknesses and strengths of the strategies emerged in tackling these difficulties and propose effective strategies to reduce negative impact. Partners will organise at least 2 national roundtables 1 for sport and social organisations and 1 for policy makers and authorities.

Exchange House Ireland's 1st RoundTable invited people representing national sports bodies and some NGOs. The group looked at:

• The group engaged in a productive discussion to brainstorm strategies for advancing Traveller involvement in sports. Several key areas were identified as crucial to fostering greater inclusion. Firstly, it was suggested to target structural components of sports organisations, such as club committees, boards, and membership meetings, to ensure that Travellers have a voice in the decision-making processes. Additionally, encouraging Travellers to volunteer in sports and clubs was seen as a vital step toward building a more inclusive environment. The group also emphasised the importance of finding experienced trainers and other figures who can act as ambassadors, advocating for Traveller involvement across various sports disciplines.
• Another significant approach discussed was fostering direct collaboration between Traveller organisations and local sports clubs or centres. This could be achieved by organising meetings where Traveller representatives and sports club officials can explore opportunities for cooperation. Inviting local sports clubs to participate in Traveller-specific sports days was also proposed as a way to build bridges and increase awareness about Traveller participation in sports.
• The group highlighted the necessity of ensuring that sports clubs' safeguarding and recruitment policies explicitly promote inclusion and anti-discrimination, which would be essential in creating a welcoming environment for Travellers.
• To support these initiatives, the development of comprehensive inclusion programs tailored for sports clubs was proposed. These programs would serve as valuable resources for clubs looking to enhance their inclusivity practices.
• The group identified the need to set up meetings with key stakeholders, including the Social Inclusion Offices of national sports bodies, Sports Ireland, Inclusion Ireland, and Local Sports Partnerships. These meetings would aim to secure support and collaboration in promoting Traveller involvement in sports on a broader scale.
• The group discussed the potential of developing specific Traveller inclusion modules within sports bodies' club and coach training programs. Such modules would provide essential education and awareness, equipping coaches and club members with the knowledge to foster an inclusive environment.
• Finally, the idea of establishing a national Traveller sports representative body or panel was proposed. This body would be instrumental in championing the project's objectives, providing a unified voice for Travellers in the sports sector, and ensuring that the momentum gained through these efforts is sustained over the long term.

For some photos of this meeting click here