ParaBaja Aragón 2023: RFEDA’s Commitment to Inclusive Motorsport
In July 2023, the Baja Aragón, in its thirty-ninth edition, roared to life on dusty tracks as Spain’s exclusive event in the FIA Cross Country Bajas World Cup and the FIM Bajas World Cup. This renowned off-road rally marked a historic moment with the ParaBaja Step by Step category, now celebrating its ninth year.
![](https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/styles/content_details/public/news/main_image/unknown.png?itok=pRSDAmFY)
Coordinated by the Step by Step Foundation in collaboration with the Royal Spanish Automobile Federation (RFEDA) and Octagon, ParaBaja Step by Step achieved a remarkable milestone by welcoming individuals with reduced mobility into the motorsport arena.
The Step by Step Foundation, the driving force behind this initiative, remains dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through rehabilitation, emphasising the vital role of physical activity in enhancing personal independence.
Since its inception, the Foundation has promoted sports as a means of fostering social inclusion, grounded in values such as self-improvement, positivity, and happiness.
Many young participants on the Step by Step team have faced life-altering injuries in car or motorcycle accidents, yet the allure of motor racing rekindles their spirits.
The ParaBaja project emerged in Baja Aragón in 2014, thanks to the steadfast support of the RFEDA and Octagon. They recognised the potential of ParaBaja Step by Step as an inclusive motor category in Spain for individuals with reduced mobility from the very beginning.
The 2023 ParaBaja Step by Step event featured 21 drivers or co-drivers with reduced mobility, competing with 4 cars, 4 buggies, 1 quad, and 2 motorcycles.
RFEDA President Manuel Aviñó emphasized the collaborative effort with the Step by Step Foundation: "Our joint endeavor aims to remove barriers and promote inclusive motor sport as a model of social integration, marking a significant moment on the international stage."