Drawing from my experience, I assert that achieving high skill standards in diverse sports teams is attainable and transformative. I unlock my diverse teams' full potential and high skill standards by employing holistic talent identification, personalised development plans, mentorship programs, and inclusive leadership. The Special Olympics Unified Sports program I am currently involved in exemplifies the power of unity by bringing together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to enhance performance and foster mutual respect. Embracing diversity strengthens our unity, drives success, and enriches the sporting experience for everyone. Let's champion an inclusive sports culture where every athlete has the opportunity to shine.

Al construir un equipo deportivo diverso, mantener altos estándares de habilidades es posible al enfocarnos en indicadores de competencias con un enfoque de “core inclusiva” Esto significa definir claramente las habilidades y comportamientos clave que buscamos, alineados con un ADN organizativo que respire inclusión y diversidad. Al utilizar estos indicadores, valoramos el talento sin sesgos ni juicios preconcebidos, abriendo la puerta a diferentes perspectivas y experiencias. La diversidad no solo enriquece el equipo, sino que también potencia el rendimiento, permitiendo que cada miembro aporte desde su fortaleza única y crezca dentro de una cultura inclusiva y de respeto.

Here's how: - Set clear skill benchmarks: Define the core skills and performance standards required for each position - Broaden talent search: Expand your recruitment efforts to diverse communities and untapped talent pools - Inclusive tryout processes: Design tryouts that eliminate biases, focusing on quantifiable metrics rather than subjective assessments - Diverse coaching staff: Hire coaches from different backgrounds who bring unique perspectives - Skill development programs: Invest in training and development programs that uplift all players - Cultural awareness training: Educate players and staff on cultural awareness and the value of diversity - Promote team values: Emphasize team values like respect, teamwork, and dedication

In building teams, organisations or individuals for me the starting point is what type of team, organisation or individuals do you want. This requires a clearly thought through design/framework with respect to fundamental & universal values, attitudes, standards & behaviours of the thing you are building. Everyone, day one in the team, be that support staff, coaches, athlete's etc, should see and understand these. Recognising that inclusivity is fundamental, and that diverse perspectives within your framework, enriches the team, is crucial for success. But also for dealing with failures, so that inclusivity is a strength that leads to success, progeessive team development and growth.

Es cierto que parece incongruente mantener los estándares de habilidades con cierta exigencia, al mismo tiempo que la inclusión, pero, desde mi experiencia, la base de la construcción de un equipo deportivo diverso radica en, precisamente, la CONSTRUCCIÓN. Tiempo habrá para definir cualidades, competir y obtener resultados. Desde un punto de vista inclusivo, la principal baza del proyecto es la participación y, con ello, se sientan los fundamentos de un equipo participativo, equitativo, igualitario e inclusivo. Formado este, todo lo relativo con la mejora, el desempeño y las aspiraciones competitivas vienen de añadido.

Building a diverse sports team without compromising skill requires a strategic approach. Key strategies include: - Clear, objective criteria for skill assessment - Mentorship programme for diverse talent - Inclusive environment valuing diverse perspectives - Active recruitment from diverse sources - Cultural competence and flexible leadership By implementing these strategies, you can create a high-performing team that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusivity.

One thing I found helpful is diversity breeds high level standard, as the is a lot of learnings All teams should need to be holistically inclusive

When building a diverse sports team It is very important that you meet each individual where he/she is at, and build on his/her strengths while developing his/her weaknesses. Always remember that encouragement breeds labor, so if the player understands that his/her roles and/or responsibilities are as equally important as every other member of that team then nothing can stop you from creating the greatest team ever.

To maintain high skill standards while promoting inclusivity, I’ll ensure that our team selection is based purely on talent, regardless of a person's background. Equal opportunities will be provided to all, with comprehensive scouting across diverse areas and communities to ensure fair access. Standards will remain high, with a focus on identifying and nurturing talent from all backgrounds. ⚽️

An interesting question - and at the same time regrettable that a guideline seems necessary at all. Inclusion should be a matter of course and not a strategic construct that has to be specially developed. A diverse and inclusive team should be based on the fact that everyone is welcome. Diversity and quality are by no means mutually exclusive, on the contrary: they promote each other. A diverse team brings in different perspectives, ideas and approaches that ultimately promote quality and cohesion. The biggest challenge often lies less in the actual implementation and more in the attitude and basic values that characterise the team. If these are based on respect and openness, inclusion takes place naturally and organically.