A European initiative shows how inclusive rowing fosters resilience, unity, and active citizenship.
On July 19, 2025, the European project RAEX – Rowing Against Exclusion took to the waters of Lake Iseo, Italy. The event, organised by partner Rowing4fun ASD, brought together more than 30 participants. They rowed in four coastal boats, covering over 30 km. Most importantly, they did so as a diverse and united group.
Fighting Social Exclusion with Oars in Hand
RAEX is a project funded by the Erasmus+ Sport Programme. It focuses on using rowing to combat social isolation and promote inclusion. On Lake Iseo, this vision came to life.
Participants ranged in age from 16 to 70. Many had never rowed before. Others came from backgrounds marked by health, social, or economic hardship. However, once on the water, these differences disappeared. Every rower became part of a shared rhythm, goal, and experience.
“In the boat, no one is left behind. Everyone matters. That’s the RAEX spirit,” said Anna Perini, president of Rowing4fun ASD.
Sport as a Tool for Unity and Empowerment
Inclusive sport has the power to heal. It builds confidence, creates community, and fosters emotional wellbeing. This is the mission of RAEX: to design and promote sporting activities that reach people at risk of exclusion—especially those who are often invisible in traditional sport systems.
In addition, RAEX:
- Trains coaches and clubs to become more inclusive
- Encourages intergenerational and intercultural participation
- Creates safe spaces for physical activity and peer support
- Supports local sport initiatives with a strong social impact
As a result, the event on Lake Iseo was more than a rowing outing. It was a living example of what sport can do when it is open, inclusive, and meaningful.
Next Steps: From Local Waters to European Impact
The Lake Iseo event is one of several pilot actions supported by RAEX. Each one tests new ways to include vulnerable groups in sport. Together, they form a growing network across Europe.
Would you like to be part of this movement?
📩 Contact us: info@raexproject.eu
📢 Follow our journey with #RAEXProject
Comments are closed