In June 2024, a unique Erasmus+ training took place in the beautiful town of Paola, Italy. Titled “Green Playgrounds: Promoting Inclusion and Environmental Awareness through Sports,” this project brought together youth workers from across Europe to explore how sports can be used not only for fun and fitness but also for creating meaningful change. The project focused on promoting inclusion and environmental responsibility, combining physical activity with important values like teamwork, respect, and sustainability. Representing the Romanian NGO Green Hope, one youth worker participated in this experience that would leave a lasting mark on their personal and professional journey.
In Romania, inclusion and environmental awareness are topics that are often discussed but not always fully integrated into everyday life. In smaller communities especially, there is a lack of access to inclusive sports activities. Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including Roma youth and those living in rural areas, often feel excluded from sports programs due to financial barriers or social prejudice. At the same time, environmental education is not strongly embedded in non-formal education, and young people may not feel connected to the idea of sustainability. Before the training, the team at Green Hope had been searching for creative ways to combine these two important themes and make their activities more inclusive, engaging, and practical for the youth in their region.
The training in Italy opened up new possibilities. From the first day, the sessions focused on how sports could be transformed into tools for social connection and environmental learning. One of the most eye-opening activities involved designing a new game where no player could be left behind. Participants from different countries worked together to develop inclusive rules and strategies that allowed everyone to join in, no matter their abilities or background. This simple activity sent a powerful message: inclusion is not about making space, but about creating space where everyone can shine.
Another important moment was the connection between physical activity and environmental education. The group explored creative ways to raise awareness about pollution, recycling, and climate change through sports. For example, one workshop involved relay races where each task represented an environmental challenge. These playful activities encouraged participants to think critically and emotionally about nature while staying physically engaged. The method showed that learning can happen through action and that young people are more likely to absorb messages when they are having fun and moving their bodies.
What made the training even more impactful was the international exchange of ideas. Youth workers from Sweden, Greece, and Portugal shared stories of their local projects where sports and sustainability worked together to unite communities. From football tournaments that promote recycling to nature walks that end in neighborhood clean-ups, the diversity of approaches inspired the Romanian participant to reflect on what could be done back home. The project highlighted the importance of community engagement, creativity, and local adaptation.
Returning to Romania, the youth worker from Green Hope felt both energized and responsible to do something meaningful. Inspired by the training, they launched a new initiative called “EcoSport Challenge Romania.” The goal was to bring together young people from different backgrounds in outdoor sports events that also included environmental tasks and intercultural activities. The project started in the town of Brașov and quickly gained attention for its fresh and inclusive approach. Events were held in parks and school yards, where children and teenagers participated in games like eco-football, nature hunts, and environmental obstacle courses.
Each activity was designed with care, ensuring that inclusion was at the heart of the experience. There were roles for everyone—whether running, planning, organizing, or storytelling. At the end of each event, a reflection circle helped participants express their thoughts, share personal stories, and suggest ideas for future actions. The sessions helped youth connect more deeply with their peers and develop a stronger sense of belonging. Teachers and parents also joined in some sessions, turning the activities into community-wide events.
The impact of the “EcoSport Challenge Romania” was seen in the smiles and voices of the young participants. Many of them said it was the first time they had felt truly involved in a team, especially those who were usually left out of school sports or environmental clubs. Several participants who had previously struggled with motivation began showing more interest in volunteering and outdoor activities. Some even asked to become peer leaders and help organize the next events. Teachers noticed more cooperation and confidence among their students, and some schools began exploring ways to include similar activities in their curriculum.
The project also encouraged local municipalities to invest more in youth-friendly spaces. Seeing the success of the events, the Brașov City Youth Office provided additional support for future sessions and offered access to public parks and sports fields. The Romanian NGO Green Hope received recognition for its creative methodology and began preparing a toolkit to share with other youth workers and educators. The training in Paola had turned into something much larger—a growing movement where play, learning, and responsibility walked hand in hand.
The story of this Erasmus+ project is a reminder that change does not always need to begin with big speeches or formal lessons. Sometimes, it starts with a game. Sometimes, it begins when a youth worker sees the sparkle in a child’s eyes after scoring a goal, solving a challenge, or simply feeling welcomed. Sports offer an open field where everyone, no matter their story, can participate, connect, and grow. When paired with meaningful messages about caring for our planet and each other, they become a powerful tool for transformation.
The journey continues for Green Hope and its young participants. The next steps include organizing regional camps that focus on leadership, sustainability, and intercultural learning, all through the lens of movement and teamwork. The Romanian youth worker who once arrived in Paola with questions now returns home with ideas, courage, and a strong belief in the power of youth. They know that when young people are given the space to lead, create, and belong, they are capable of changing not just their communities but the world around them.
As the sun set on the last day of the project in Italy, one thing became clear to all participants: play is serious. It builds understanding, inspires action, and reminds us of our shared humanity. With continued support, creativity, and collaboration, youth across Europe—and in Romania—will keep running forward, not just to win games, but to build better, greener, and more inclusive futures for all.