International Active Cities Association has successfully organized another meaningful series of events aimed at promoting social inclusion and a lifelong sports culture within the scope of the ESC30 project “Solidarity Circle: Volunteer Hands in Sports” (Project Code: 2024-3-TR01-ESC30-SOL-000276733).
The activities organized under the title “Sports for All” made sports accessible to people of all ages and disadvantaged groups, while instilling awareness of active aging and solidarity in the participating youth.
The three-stage event series was completed successfully:
1. Online Training: Physical Activity for the Elderly and Children The first activity of the series was an online informational training for the participants. In the session conducted by expert academic Dr. Mustafa Soner Yüce, topics such as “How should physical activity be for the elderly and children?” and “What is the importance of movement for these sensitive groups?” were addressed. Participants gained the technical knowledge to be applied in fieldwork, thereby establishing a theoretical foundation for the nursing home and school visits.
2.Implementation: Active Aging and Sports Gathering at the Nursing Home Following the training, participants visited a nursing home to put their knowledge into practice. Special sporting activities were carried out for the residents using content prepared by members with a sports background, in accordance with the health guidelines published by the Ministry of Health. In this event, where the concept of “Active Aging” was emphasized, the young participants and elderly individuals established a strong connection through sports.
3.Implementation: Sports and Solidarity with Little Hearts The event series concluded with a visit to kindergarten students in a disadvantaged area. Through activities supported by visuals and music suitable for the target audience, a bridge of solidarity was built between the children and the participating youth through sports. After informing the children about the contributions of sports to life, the final stage of the series was completed with three different activities designed for physical activity and play.
