The project partners of “The European Week of Winter Sport (EWWS)” gathered in Rijeka, Croatia for an important International Training Session from November 15th to 17th, 2024. This training marked a crucial milestone in the preparation for the inaugural EWWS, set to take place across Europe from February 1st to 8th, 2025. The training brought together over 40 participants from 8 different countries, involving coordinators who will lead the implementation of local events that promote winter sports and emphasize sustainability and inclusivity.
The coordinators, selected by each partner organization for their leadership skills and dedication to promoting an active lifestyle, were immersed in a series of workshops and activities designed to equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to successfully organize and manage events in their local communities. Key presentations during the event included insights on sustainable event organization, the role of coordinators, and effective communication strategies to maximize public engagement. The workshop highlighted the project EWWS’s commitment to making winter sports accessible to all, emphasizing the breaking down of barriers related to age, ability, and socio-economic status. The coordinators engaged in hands-on activities that encouraged collaborative learning and sharing of best practices across different regions. The focus was not only on event management but also on how to effectively integrate sustainability into the heart of sports events, promoting environmental awareness and action.
“Through the European Week of Winter Sport, we aim to foster a spirit of inclusion and health consciousness across Europe,” said Paolo Menescardi, the project coordinator from L’ORMA, Italy. “This training in Rijeka has empowered our coordinators to inspire their communities and lead by example, showing how winter sports can be a catalyst for positive change.”
As the EWWS approaches, the trained coordinators are now tasked with using their newly acquired skills to galvanize their communities, involving local sports clubs, schools, and civic groups to participate in the week-long celebration of winter sports.
The project EWWS is funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ program. For more information about the European Week of Winter Sport and to learn how to participate in or organize an event, please visit https://wintersportweek.com/