From February 3 to 6, 2025, the University of Gävle hosted the International Winter Event, a unique gathering that brought together students and staff from across the EU GREEN Alliance. This initiative, designed to promote inclusion, diversity, and accessibility in winter sports, welcomed participants from Romania, France, Ireland, Spain, Italy, and Poland for a multi-day experience that combined cultural exchange, physical activity, and educational discussions on sustainability and equity in sports.
The event featured a range of interactive and immersive activities, creating an environment where participants could explore the importance of inclusive and accessible winter sports. Highlights included group discussions, a photo exhibition, a quiz walk, dancing sessions, and a full day of skiing at Kungsberget, where many attendees had the opportunity to try skiing for the first time. These activities not only strengthened bonds among participants but also emphasized the importance of ensuring that outdoor and winter sports are available to people of all backgrounds and abilities.
In addition to the recreational and cultural components, the event also included lectures on inclusion in sports, focusing on how winter activities can be adapted for greater accessibility. Experts in the field shared insights on the barriers that currently exist in sports participation and presented strategies to create more inclusive environments. These discussions aligned with EU GREEN’s broader mission to promote sustainability and equality in education, highlighting how physical activity, cultural engagement, and academic collaboration can work together to create positive social change.
The International Winter Event at the University of Gävle exemplifies EU GREEN’s commitment to fostering collaboration across European universities, encouraging inclusive practices, and making sustainability a core element of education. By providing students and staff with opportunities to engage in outdoor activities in a supportive and accessible setting, this initiative reinforces the alliance’s mission to create a more equitable and interconnected academic community.
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