(ph. Colombo/FIDAL)

School, sport and wellness: all the activities

Many initiatives for schools, and not, are planned as part of the SPAR European Cross Country Championships Piemonte 2022. The project "Sport in the parks is natural" is realised in the wonderful scenery of La Mandria Park, a protected area of ​​6,300 hectares characterized by a great variety of natural environments and the possibility of practicing physical activities outdoors. One of the goals is to encourage people to practice sports outdoor, increasing awareness of the uniqueness of the parks, thus generating benefits for people's health and spreading a more respectful relationship with ecosystems, through conscious use.

The project, which lasts 24 months, started at the end of April, and involves, with the help of qualified instructors (recognized by the Italian Athletics Federation), naturalistic guides (accredited by the Park Authority) and cycle-touristic guides, the following initiatives:

- Exercise education and approach to athletics activities, alongside initiatives that promote environment knowledge. Former Ukrainian athlete Iryna Lishchynska, Olympic and World 1500m silver medalist, supports athletics instructors. During the day, naturalistic and sporting activity lessons alternate, creating interaction between the participating classes divided into two groups. The activity is aimed at students (class groups) mainly from middle and high school.

- "Mandriadi". Event dedicated to schools that will take place during the “J medical / International Cross La Mandria” on November 20, valid as a selection for the European Championships’ Italian national team line up. Winners will be awarded during the European Cross Championships. 

- Walking. Preparatory walks, with the help of instructors and coaches, for long walking events (between 10 and 30 km) aimed at stimulating the wider public in daily physical activities practice, informing about the benefits generated by low intensity sport even with a extended commitment. 

- Meetings, seminars and workshops on topics related to the environment and outdoor physical activity. The activity is aimed at teachers, sports associations, public administrators, companies in the sports field or outdoor physical activities, park authorities and professionals in the reference environment. Meetings will be spread through social media channels and the Park Authority’s website, managing therefore to expand the audience.