„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. We also offer workshops. Register now!
Inclusive Mindfulness Training
Oktober 24, 2025, 2 - 5 p.m.
Waldfulness Workshop
The location of the event is to be announced (good accessibility will be ensured, possibly Rheinaue or Kottenforst)
Please contact us if you need support!
Waldfulness is a mindfulness-based nature training programme that aims to open up access to nature, self-awareness and healthy living for people regardless of their background, age, gender, disability or chronic illness.
The training takes place in nature and aims to convey movement in nature as a positive balance to everyday stress and to strengthen resources. Participants are guided group to practise self-awareness in nature and thus build stress-free relationships with others and their environment.
Registration
The workshop lasts three hours and takes place in Bonn. Further information and the registration link can be found here.
Fun and Games inclusive
Every monday 1 - 2 p.m.
Sports offer Fun and Games inclusive
Location: Rösp 1, Universität Bonn
Whether with or without disabilities – our focus is on shared experiences, trying new things and enjoying exercise. A variety of sports such as basketball, table tennis, volleyball and small movement games ensure variety and team spirit.
Registration
Register here for Fun and Games inclusive during semester break.
Inclusive singing and dance workshop
November 8 and 9, 2025, 4 to 6 p.m.
Inclusive singing and dancing workshop
Location: Sports facility Nachtigallenweg 86
Do you enjoy singing and dancing? Would you like to take advantage of the opportunity to receive professional singing and dance lessons? Then you've come to the right place!
We invite you to our inclusive singing and dance workshop, which is aimed at all music enthusiasts – regardless of whether they have a disability or not. Together, we want to immerse ourselves in the multifaceted world of dance and singing and share an unforgettable experience that promotes creativity and joy.
Registration
You can register for the workshop at chancengerechtigkeit@uni-bonn.de.
Workshop content
Our workshop offers a colourful mix of:
- Various dance techniques: Learn a variety of styles and movements that will help you develop your personal expression.
- Singing exercises: Strengthen your speaking and singing voice through targeted breathing techniques and voice training exercises that will help you use your voice with confidence.
- Coordination and rhythm games: With body percussion and other creative exercises, we want to promote your rhythm and coordination while having lots of fun.
- Creative improvisation: Let your creativity run wild! We will improvise together and develop our own choreographies that draw on your individual strengths and offer space for personal expression. As part of our workshop, we will also learn to harmoniously combine singing and dancing to create a unique form of expression.
Objective
Our goal is to create a safe and inspiring environment in which all participants – regardless of their abilities – can experience the joy of music, dance and community. We promote a safe space in which everyone can develop their individual strengths and uniqueness. Through participation, we create a strong sense of belonging and work together to develop a creative result that we can present at the end of the workshop.
Who can participate?
The workshop is open to everyone (with or without disabilities) who wants to express themselves creatively and gain new experiences in singing and dancing. Whether you are a beginner or already have experience, everyone is welcome! What matters is curiosity, openness and the joy of shared artistic experience. We look forward to a diverse group in which we can learn from each other and grow together.
The workshop will be led by:
- Dance teacher/choreographer: Miguel Angel Zermeño (www.communitydance.de)
- Vocal coach/singer: Laura Suad (www.laurasuadmusic.jimdo.com)
Accessibility information
The premises are easily accessible by public transport. From the Jugendherberge bus stop (lines 600, 602, 630), there is a short walk along a paved path to the sports hall. There is a portable accessible toilet on site.
Procedure
- Registration: The Buddy Programme will be on break for the summer semester 2025. Instead, a new series of workshops will be offered, which you can find more information about here soon.
- 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!
- Buddy matching: After matching you will get to know your buddy 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 Anastasia 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
- Inclusion in Pole Art Fitness
- Wheelchair dance
- Inclusion in Table Tennis
- Fun and Games inclusive
