Steps that connect
The basic idea behind the project was deliberately simple: almost anyone can walk. No equipment, no previous sporting experience, no hurdles. Steps are the lowest-threshold form of exercise. And that was precisely the power of the initiative. Using the specially developed rotarysteps.com app, the steps were automatically recorded and added up to a joint round-the-world journey. This resulted in a playful competition that motivated people to move more and be part of something bigger at the same time. Many participants reported that exercise became a habit as a result of the challenge and is now part of their everyday lives.
From Vienna to the world
The proceeds from the campaign will go towards a clear goal: inclusive innovators from the Global South will be invited to the Zero Project Conference 2026 in UN City Vienna. There, they will present solutions that break down barriers worldwide and sustainably improve the lives of people with disabilities. The project was supported by numerous sponsors and partners from business and civil society.
Andreas Onea, Paralympics medallist, Zero Project ambassador and member of the Rotary Club Vienna North-East, played a central role. He himself contributed around 250,000 steps and emphasised: "Inclusion begins in the head and in the heart and sometimes simply with one step. One of the most active participants was Martin Essl, founder of the Zero Project, who contributed significantly to the success with 500,000 steps and recognised the strong commitment of all those involved.
Following the successful round-the-world walk, the Rotary Club of Vienna North-East is already looking ahead: in 2026, the aim is to symbolically walk to the moon with even more participants and an even greater impact.
#It's #schongenial when something as commonplace as walking becomes a shared movement that connects people and makes inclusion possible.
