Sport/physical activities in all Countries
Event #1 – 25th September 2024 – Chrisi Akti Beach, Chania
Ecopsychology workshop
Held by the sea, the ecopsychology seminar allowed participants to
connect deeply with nature, enhancing their enjoyment of the activities as they gained a better understanding of the program’s significance. The activity was conducted in collaboration with an expert from the Ecopsychology Association of Greece
Event #4 – 24th/27th/28th September 2024 – Chrisi Akti Beach, Chania
Aqua aerobic
Anemos organized three Aqua Aerobics classes led by two different
instructors, held in the sea adjacent to the park. The goal of these
classes was to introduce participants to water exercise and enhance
their enjoyment of swimming in the sea.
Event #9 – 28th September 2024 – Chrisi Akti Beach, Chania
Salad competition
At the end of the program, on the last day, there was a celebration with
activities for fun, dance activities and a salad competition. The
competition was inspired to get in a healthy mood for the celebration.
About ten contestants participated, and everyone voted for the best
salad. The whole experience was successful and gave an extra healthy
tone to the program.
Greece
Event #2 – 23rd/24th September 2024 – Agioi Apostoloi Park, Chrisi Akti
Beach – Chania
Activities for fun in the nature
Anemos organized games for fun in the park for individuals over 75 years
old. The goal of these games was to encourage participation, promote
enjoyment, and provide light exercise in a natural setting. After the
activities, participants enjoyed coffee in the park and engaged in video
calls with people from other countries, creating a unique and
memorable experience. The activity was held in cooperation with the
Centre of Daily Care of Elderly people and the Municipality of Chania.
Event #5 – 25th September 2024 – Chrisi Akti Beach, Chania
Sup yoga
Anemos organized three classes of Sup Yoga organised to introduce this
incredible way of light exercise in the sea. The goal was to be more
satisfied because of the participation of something new, and to enjoy
be in the sea and feel the light waves.
The activity was held in cooperation with the Centre of Daily Care of
Elderly people
Event #3 – 24rd/25th/26th/27th September 2024 – Agioi Apostoloi Park,
Chania
Pilates
Anemos offered four different pilates classes led by two different
instructors, with two of the classes specifically designed for individuals
over 75 years old.
Each class lasted one hour and aimed to promote
body awareness and relaxation through a connection with nature.
Event #6 – 26th September 2024 – Chrisi Akti Beach, Chania
Beach volleyball
A beach volleyball class was organized, which proved to be very
engaging for the elderly participants. They felt a sense of pride in trying
something new and thoroughly enjoyed playing the game.
Event #7 – 26th September 2024 – Kato Galatas, Chania
Canoe and Sup
Anemos organized two classes for learning canoeing and stand-up
paddleboarding (SUP). All participants enjoyed riding in the sea and felt
a sense of pride in trying out a new sport.
Event #8 – 28th September 2024 – Chrisi Akti Beach, Chania
Zumba beach
This event, held before the closing party, provided a refreshing and
enjoyable atmosphere that delighted all participants
Here’s a brief overview of the Blue and Green Sport events in
Greece:
Event #1 – 22nd September 2024 – Castelleone
Herbs picking
The first event, scheduled for September 22 at 9:00 AM, was a wild herb gathering with Aldo Ranfa, Professor of Botany at the University of Perugia. After a brief lesson on the species found in the Deruta (PG) area, there was a practical outing to search for the herbs. At the end of the activity, all participants were offered an aperitif at Circoletto in Castelleone.The event was originally scheduled for September 23rd, but due to
unfavorable weather conditions, Trekkify decided to move it up to theprevious day.
Italy
Event #2 – 26th September 2024 – Castello delle Forme
Hiking and Mindfulness
The second event, scheduled was a walk combined with a mindfulness
session led by Dr. Michela Baccari (Psycologist).
Mindfulness is a meditation practice focused on cultivating awareness
of the present moment.
After a brief theoretical introduction to mindfulness and ecopsychology, participants were invited to take a walk guided by the
principles of ecopsychology.
The activity took place in the beautiful setting of
Piccola Cantina Rossi- Winery (Castello delle Forme-PG), followed by an aperitif offered to
all participants.
Event #3 – 28th September 2024 – Deruta
Night Hiking
The third event took place on Saturday, September 28 at 6:00 PM,
featuring a sunset hike along the scenic trails of Perugia Vecchia, a hilly
area overlooking Deruta (PG) that is popular with both cyclists and
hikers.
The excursion was led by our certified hiking guides, and all participants were treated to social dinner afterward.
Event #4 – 29th September 2024 – Frasassi, Ancona
Hiking at Foro Occhialoni (Frasassi)
The fourth and final event took place on Sunday, September 29. It was a
hike to Foro Occhialoni, a stunning viewpoint overlooking the Frasassi
Gorge (Genga, Ancona), located in the Regional Natural Park of Gola
della Rossa and Frasassi.
Participants could choose between two routes:
a shorter route of approximately 6 km with 300 meters of elevation
gain a longer route of about 13 km with 780 meters of elevation gain
Malta
Event #1 – 23rd September 2024 – Little Armier, Mellieha
Press conference; Swimming in open water and Line Dancing
The open water swimming sessions at Little Armier Bay, and Għadira Mellieħa, were organised with support from SportMalta and VisitMalta. Participants, primarily elderly individuals from the Active Ageing
Centres, enjoyed structured sessions that included swimming, aqua
aerobics, yoga, and Tai Chi by the beach. A lifeguard ensured safety,
throughout the week (half day mornings), allowing participants to
engage with peace of mind.
Event #2 – 23rd September 2024 – Maria Regina Middle School, Naxxar
Zumba (indoors, due to inclement weather)
The Zumba sessions, open to all but primarily aimed at elderly and
inactive participants, introduced many to these activities for the first
time. The line dancing took place outdoors, promoting fun and gentle
exercise, while Zumba, initially planned for a public garden, was moved to a school hall due to inclement weather. Led by local trainers, the sessions helped participants become more active and socialise, fulfilling the project’s goal of improving physical and mental health through movement. The inclusive nature of these activities attracted a diverse group of participants.
Event #3 – 24th September 2024 – Little Armier, Mellieha
Swimming in open water
The open water swimming sessions at Little Armier Bay, were organised
with support from SportMalta and VisitMalta. Participants, primarily
elderly individuals from the Active Ageing Centres. These sessions
aimed to improve physical fitness, encourage exercise in nature, and
foster a sense of wellbeing, all in line with the project’s ecopsychology
goals.
Event #4 – 24th September 2024 – Active Ageing Centre, Mellieha
Meditation sessions were designed to promote relaxation, mindfulness,
and physical flexibility. Led by local trainers and specialists. The gentle
nature of these exercises made them accessible to a wide range of
fitness levels.
Event #5 – 24th September 2024 – Active Ageing Centre, Mellieha
Tai Chi, and a Clean-up activity
Tai Chi session was designed to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and
physical flexibility. Led by local trainers and specialists, these
activities introduced participants to ecopsychology, enhancing their
connection with nature and deepening their enjoyment of exercise in
outdoor settings. Cat feeders participating in cleanup activities
contribute to a cleaner environment, improve animal welfare, and
foster a sense of community. They experience fulfillment by helping
both local wildlife and maintaining public spaces
Event #6 – 25th September 2024 – Għadira Bay, Mellieha
Swimming in open water, Yoga, Tai Chi, and Keep Fit
The open water swimming sessions were organised with support from
SportMalta and VisitMalta. Participants, primarily elderly individuals
from the Active Ageing Centres, enjoyed structured sessions that
included swimming, aqua aerobics, yoga, and Tai Chi by the beach. A
lifeguard ensured safety, throughout the week (half day mornings),
allowing participants to engage with peace of mind. T-shirts,
questionnaires and leaflets were distributed as part of the Blue Green
Project, including some T-Shirts from SportMalta’s #BeActive campaign.
Tai Chi, yoga, and meditation sessions were designed to promote
relaxation, mindfulness, and physical flexibility. Led by local trainers
and specialists, these activities introduced participants to
ecopsychology, enhancing their connection with nature and deepening their enjoyment of exercise in outdoor settings. Sessions were conducted by the beach, further aligning with the project’s focus on nature and mental wellbeing. The aim was to reduce stress and encourage mindfulness practices, while also fostering community engagement among elderly and inactive participants. The gentle nature of these exercises made them accessible to a wide range of fitness levels.
Event #7 – 25th September 2024 – Mtarfa Bicycle Lessons
The bicycle lessons were primarily aimed at beginners, encouraging
participants to develop the confidence to ride for short trips and
promote active travel. Led by local trainers, the lessons were part of
Regjun Tramuntana’s initiative to increase sustainable transport within
the region. Participants were taught basic skills, including balancing,
pedalling, and bicycle maintenance. The lessons also aligned with the
project’s goals of environmental sustainability by encouraging cycling
as an alternative form of transportation. Plans are in place to offer these lessons free of charge to continue fostering a more active and
environmentally conscious community.
Event #8 – 26th September 2024 – Little Armier, Mellieha
Swimming in open water
The open water swimming sessions at Little Armier Bay, were organised
with support from SportMalta and VisitMalta. Participants, primarily
elderly individuals from the Active Ageing Centres. These sessions
aimed to improve physical fitness, encourage exercise in nature, and
foster a sense of wellbeing, all in line with the project’s ecopsychology
goals.
Event #9 – 26th September 2024 – Bugibba, San Pawl il-Bahar
Volleyball and Line Dancing
Line dancing and volleyball sessions targeted primarily inactive
individuals, encouraging them to engage in fun, low-impact physical
activities. The trampoline exercises offered a unique way to introduce
participants to movement in a dynamic and enjoyable manner, while
volleyball provided a team-based activity promoting cooperation and
social interaction. Both sessions were designed to appeal to a wide
audience, with an emphasis on fostering engagement in physical
activity regardless of prior fitness levels.
Volleyball sessions provided a team-based activity promoting
cooperation and social interaction. Both sessions were designed to
appeal to a wide audience, with an emphasis on fostering engagement
in physical activity regardless of prior fitness levels.
Event #10 – 27th September 2024 – Little Armier, Mellieha
Swimming in open water
The open water swimming sessions at Little Armier Bay, were organised
with support from SportMalta and VisitMalta. Participants, primarily
elderly individuals from the Active Ageing Centres. These sessions
aimed to improve physical fitness, encourage exercise in nature, and
foster a sense of wellbeing, all in line with the project’s ecopsychology
goals.
Event #11 – 27th September 2024 – Gnejna, Mgarr, Meditation, Kennedy
Grove, San Pawl il-Bahar
Trampoline fitness
Trampoline fitness and volleyball sessions targeted primarily inactive
individuals, encouraging them to engage in fun, low-impact physical
activities. The trampoline exercises offered a unique way to introduce
participants to movement in a dynamic and enjoyable manner, while
volleyball provided a team-based activity promoting cooperation and
social interaction .
Event #12 – 28th September 2024 – San Gwann Football Club
Promoting Girls’ Football, Team Building activity,
The girls’ football promotion invited girls aged 8-12 to participate in
introductory sessions aimed at fostering interest in the sport. Simple
exercises were conducted, and girls already involved in football shared
their experiences to inspire newcomers. Afterward, a football match
was held between elected local councillors and staff, further
promoting the spirit of teamwork and community involvement. The
session also served as a platform to advocate for female participation
in sports, supported by the Malta Football Association’s Women’s
Section
Portugal
Event #1 – 23rd September 2024 – Ourém, Agroal
Hiking along the Agroal Walkway, with interpretation of the fauna and
flora Relaxation and Mindfulness session The first event took place near the Praia Fluvial do Agroal, a natural space of great beauty where it was realised a walk along the walkway, which included an interpretation of the surrounding fauna and flora by
Luísa Marques, a technician from the Ourém municipality. This was
followed by a relaxation and mindfulness session run by Suse Lopes, a technician from the Municipality of Ourém. At the end of the activity, all participants were offered a snack. The 10 participants were users of the Ribeira do Fárrio and Freixianda Social Centres, two parishes in the municipality of Ourém, who expressed great satisfaction with the
nature activities and the physical and mental well-being they brought
them
Event #2 – 24th September 2024 – Sardoal, Leisure Area of Lapa
Hiking, Yoga and Mediterranean Diet awareness and showcooking and
tasting session
The activity began with a walk starting at the Lapa Leisure Area and
Moinhos de Entrevinhas, promoted by José Laia, a tourism technician
from the Municipality of Sardoal.
This was followed by a yoga session in nature, in the Lapa Leisure Area,
led by Professor Rita Cavaleiro. The yoga session ended with live music
and chanting by the participants.
The activities were also supported by Cláudia Costa and Patrícia
Correia, technicians from the Municipality of Sardoal.
The activity ended with a moment to raise awareness about the
Mediterranean Diet in the Médio Tejo, showcooking and tasting, with
the support of TAGUS – Association for the Integrated Development of
the Ribatejo Interior. The 15 participants were students from the
Sardoal Senior University
Event #3 – 25rd September 2024 – Torres Novas Hiking and awareness session on flora and fauna
On this day, even the rain was no impediment to the 4km walk along the Almonda Ecological Corridor, which included an interpretive and
explanatory session organised by the municipality’s biologist, Patrícia
Silva. The walk was also accompanied by Rute Alves, a sports technician
from the Municipality of Torres Novas.
It was the first time that the biologist had organised a walk for senior
citizens, as she usually works with children and young people. However, she enjoyed promoting this activity for this type of public because they are very wise and have so much to teach us.
The 15 participants were students from the Torres Novas Senior
University. At the end of the activity, all participants were offered a
snack.
Event #4 – 26th September 2024 – Torres Novas
Outdoor Fitness, Pilates and Yoga
On this day, the stage was the Jardim das Rosas in Torres Novas, which
hosted an outdoor fitness in a very rhythmic and relaxed moment for 15
students from the Senior University. This was followed by a moment of
relaxation with pilates and yoga. All activities were led by Rute Alves,
the municipality’s Sports Technician.
The 12 participants were students from the Torres Novas Senior
University. At the end of the activity, all participants were offered a
snack
Event #5 – 30th September 2024 – Tomar Canoeing and Traditional Games
The event was originally scheduled for September 25rd, but due to
unfavorable weather conditions, Intermunicipal Community of Médio
Tejo and the municipality of Tomar decided to move it up to 30rd
September. The initiatives culminated on this day in Tomar’s Mouchão
Park with a canoeing experience, attended by 16 seniors who fearlessly
ventured out in their canoes. Most of them had experienced canoeing
for the first time and at the end of the day there was a sense of
satisfaction and pride among the participants. The activities were
accompanied by Vitor Santos, a technician from the Municipality of
Tomar. Alongside the canoeing activity, participants were also able to
play traditional games. The activities were organised by the Corda
Bamba company. The 16 participants were students from the Tomar
Senior University and also from Tomar Walking and Running Centre.
At the end of the activity, all participants were offered a snack.
