Since 2022, the Fundación Rafa Nadal has been developing the Play All Project together with the Fundación Tenis Barcelona, thanks to the support of Nike.
A project born with the aim of bringing tennis and sports practice closer to children living in vulnerable contexts in the city of Barcelona, which today is a consolidated reality with five active schools.
Last Monday, February 16, we celebrated the “Mid Season Play All” Festival, a cooperative recreational-sports event marking the halfway point of the program’s season.
The day had two key objectives:
- To strengthen cohesion among the different participating centers by offering a shared experience for children from different neighborhoods of the city.
- To promote the positive values that define the project: Sportsmanship, Teamwork, Effort and Commitment.
The approach was clearly cooperative and inclusive, prioritizing participation, teamwork, respect and coexistence over competition.
A Shared Day in Sarrià
The event took place at Escola Pia Sarrià, in the district of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Barcelona.
A total of 81 children participated, accompanied by 17 educators, bringing together 97 people involved in the event.
The participating centers came from:
- Zona Franca (33 participants)
- Vall d’Hebron (29 participants)
- Raval (24 participants)
Participation was diverse and representative, with ages ranging from 6 to 18 years old and an overall distribution of 49% girls and 51% boys, reflecting our commitment to equality and inclusion in sport.
Cooperative Activities: Learning Together
The day was organized in circuit format with group rotations and mixed teams between centers whenever possible. The cooperative activities focused on communication, coordination and joint problem-solving:
- Cooperative Skis: group movement requiring synchronization and constant dialogue.
- Cooperation Bands: balanced team transport of objects.
- Caterpillar Relay: cooperative relay demanding collective coordination.
- Ultimate Totem: dynamic color-based flipping game, adaptable to large groups.
- Channel Relay: collaborative construction of circuits to transport balls without dropping them.
- Cooperative Tennis: team challenges to hit a target through coordinated strokes.
Each dynamic reinforced the importance of trusting others and working toward a common goal.
Adapted, Inclusive and Non-Contact Sport
The event also included adapted sports activities, prioritizing equal participation:
- Tchoukball: a non-contact sport that promotes fair play and strategy.
- Flag Football: an adapted version of American football focused on decision-making and teamwork.
All activities were led by the team of educators and adapted to different ages and levels, ensuring a positive experience for all participants.
Much More Than a Celebration
The “Mid Season Play All” Festival was not just a one-off event, but a reflection of what the project represents: a space where sport connects neighborhoods, breaks down barriers and creates opportunities.
From the Fundación Rafa Nadal, together with the Fundación Tenis Barcelona and with the essential support of Nike, we continue working to ensure that every Play All activity is an opportunity to grow.
