Sports and Physical Activity in Cultural Heritage Environments

Background The SPACHE project was born in a European context where it is very important to continue to promote the practice of physical activity and sport, but it is also essential to create new and creative strategies to motivate and mobilize people. This is where the idea of using cultural heritage as a lever for the practice of physical activity arises. As Europe is an absolutely rich and unique region in terms of cultural heritage, this was an opportunity that could not be missed! Objectives SPACHE aimed to encourage participation in sport and physical activity, especially by supporting the implementation of the Council Recommendation on Health Enhancing Physical Activity and being in line with the EU Physical Activity Guidelines and the Tartu Call for Healthy Lifestyle. It was intended to leverage cultural heritage resources to enhance the practice of sport for everyone and, in particular, for locals, including immigrants, and other diverse social groups, and tourists. Implementation The project was promoted by 9 partners from 6 different European countries. Through a participatory process, the partners designed and implemented 4 pilot programs (Portugal, Italy, Slovenia and The Netherlands) with the aim of developing physical and sporting activities, leveraging on the local cultural heritage. The project assessed the social impacts of pilot programs, creating educational modules and operational tools that were be widely disseminated (Capacity Building Toolkit, Handbook). Achievements The four SPACHE Pilot Programs involved more than 400 participants, including 125 children, comprising 14 different sports activities. Those over 65 were the most participatory age group (59%). More than 90% of participants reported to be very satisfied with the activities. These also generated positive impacts on the physical well-being of the population and were recognized as a way for citizens and tourists to get to know better the traditions and cultural heritage of the places.