APProaching to a sport and health lifestyLE

Background The project aimed to create awareness, especially amongst children, as to the various components that ensure a sporty and healthy lifestyle. A minimum of 5 coaches from each of the partner multisport clubs attended the multi-faceted webinars to gain knowledge and understanding, and then this was relayed to children in a user-friendly and interesting manner at various different schools, over the course of a number of training sessions. Objectives The ultimate aim of the project was to create an awareness and understanding for young children how to lead healthy lifestyles, especially after the effects of Covid. This was done in a 2 stage approach: (i) Coaches training via webinars: at least 40 coaches attended 4 online webinars (Physical, Nutritional, Mental, Social & Emotional wellbeing); (ii) Children: coaches conducted training sessions at various schools over a few months, teaching the children about a sporty and healthy lifestyle. Implementation A brainstorming session held during the kick-off meeting lead to the 4 identified areas contributing to a sporty and healthy lifestyle (Physical, Nutritional, Mental, Social & Emotional Wellbeing). Experts in the 4 identified fields compiled and presented content for the webinars (also translated), to the coaches. These coaches then provided training sessions at 1-20 Schools each. Regular online meetings as well as an intermediate and final meeting were held to ensure project implementation. Achievements The coaches found the webinars informative and useful, as confirmed in surveys done. The practical implementation of the school activities had to be delayed due to the pandemic and a number of school sessions had to eventually be held at either the partner clubs or other venues due to restrictions. The children enjoyed the sessions, especially the physical ones, as it allowed them an opportunity to try different sports. Overall, the project was well received by the coaches and children.