The initiative, promoted by the National Council of Associations of Physical Education and Sports Professionals (CNAPEF), in partnership with APPEF Algarve and supported by the National Agency Erasmus+ Youth/Sport and European Solidarity Corps, takes place at the INATEL Foundation in Albufeira. Participants include youth workers from Portugal, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Ukraine, Latvia, and Turkey.
The program focuses on sharing non-formal education and sport-based education methodologies, aiming to equip professionals with tools to address the challenges faced by young people. Priorities include combating school failure and early dropout, inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities, and developing skills for active citizenship.
Participants were welcomed at the Noble Hall of the Paços do Concelho by the mayor of the Municipality of Albufeira, Rui Cristina, and the vice-mayor, Jorge Carmo. The event was also attended by the president of CNAPEF, Avelino Azevedo.
Rui Cristina highlighted the educational and social dimension of the event, stating that "sport can be much more than physical activity. It can be a powerful tool for education, inclusion, and creating opportunities for young people." The mayor also expressed his wish for visitors to take good memories of Albufeira with them.
Avelino Azevedo emphasized the opportunity for exchange among the seven represented countries and thanked the Municipal Council for their hospitality and support. "We could not carry out this course without the support of the municipality and your involvement," he noted.
Hosting this project reinforces European cooperation and the sharing of practices that value sport as an instrument for education, participation, and social inclusion, aligning with Albufeira's objectives as European City of Sport 2026.
