Game Changer
Creating Inclusive
Sporting Enviroments
From October 1 to 7, Moufflons, participated in the international training activity Game Changer: Creating Inclusive Sporting Environments, held in Aparan, Armenia. Led by the French organization Regain, this event brought together 34 youth workers from six countries: Greece, Italy, Spain, Armenia, Cyprus, and France, who united to share expertise and build skills around creating inclusive and sustainable sports environments. This initiative aligned with the goals of the European Year of Skills, supporting the EU’s efforts to promote skill development and collaboration to empower young people across member states.
Representing Moufflons, five youth workers from Cyprus engaged enthusiastically in the week-long program. Their participation was a demonstration of the organization’s dedication to youth development through sports, while also promoting essential values such as inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and mental well-being—values closely connected to the EU Youth Goals. The Cypriot team contributed to discussions and practical sessions, while also learning from their peers and partners from across Europe
A Dynamic Program:
Workshops, Lectures, and Cross-Disciplinary Learning
The Game Changer training activity offered a diverse mix of learning experiences, including lectures, presentations, practical workshops, workouts, and study visits. The program provided youth workers with practical and theoretical insights into modern coaching strategies designed to foster inclusivity and sustainability in sports. Study visits allowed participants to observe and engage with local Armenian sports initiatives, offering valuable lessons in incorporating sustainable practices into sports management—a theme that echoed the EU’s aim of creating a Green and Sustainable Europe.
Moufflons, alongside their Italian partners led by Giulia Sargenti, delivered insightful lectures focused on environmental sustainability and integrating green practices into sports. Giulia’s sessions emphasized how sports organizations can reduce their environmental impact by adopting sustainable facility management practices, promoting eco-friendly habits among young athletes, and encouraging green events. This focus on sustainability demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that sports not only foster physical and mental well-being but also contribute positively to the environment, aligning closely with the EU Youth Goal of building a greener, more sustainable future.
Cross-Disciplinary Insights:
Learning from Various Sports
The training activity featured examples from multiple sports disciplines, including wrestling, ice skating, and basketball. By cross-referencing these sports, youth workers learned how to adapt and implement coaching techniques that enhance inclusivity and sustainability. This approach helped participants identify universal principles in coaching while appreciating the unique requirements of each sport.
The Italian team’s sessions, led by Giulia Sargenti, highlighted the integration of green practices within different sports disciplines, offering practical strategies on reducing the carbon footprint of sports events and encouraging sustainable behavior among athletes. These insights were vital in helping youth workers from all countries, including Moufflons, envision ways to align their sports programs with EU-wide sustainability goals.
Empowering Youth
the European Year of Skills
The Game Changer program resonated with the European Year of Skills, emphasizing the upskilling of youth workers to become more effective leaders in the field of inclusive and sustainable sports. Participants developed new skills, gained fresh perspectives, and explored innovative coaching methods designed to empower young people while also caring for the environment. The event reinforced the importance of sustainable development and community building, ensuring that youth workers could apply these principles within their local communities to foster both social and environmental well-being.
Looking ahead
Applying Knowledge and Building a Greener Future
The Moufflons youth workers returned to Cyprus energized and equipped with practical knowledge on creating inclusive and environmentally sustainable sports environments. The Game Changer program has provided them with the tools to implement innovative approaches that not only support young people’s well-being but also align with EU-wide objectives for sustainability. Their new skills and international partnerships position them well to contribute to the growth of sustainable and inclusive sports practices within Cyprus.
Moufflons’ active involvement highlights the organization’s commitment to building a connected, healthy, and environmentally conscious sports community in Cyprus and beyond. As they implement the strategies and knowledge gained from the training, Moufflons continues to play a key role in the European effort to empower youth, create sustainable sporting environments, and promote an inclusive and green Europe.
