From Tuscany to Europe: how a simple idea became an innovative intergenerational sports discipline

Y&W is a project co funded by the European Union.

Innovation does not always emerge from laboratories or large institutions. Sometimes, it begins in small, everyday moments—like a group of grandparents waiting patiently while their grandchildren finish taekwondo practice. This is exactly how the idea behind Youth & Wisdom – Strength in Unity, Growth in Motion was born.

In the coastal town of Vada, in Tuscany, the instructors of TKD Rosignano noticed how present and engaged these grandparents were. They watched every movement, asked questions, and showed a curiosity that went far beyond polite interest. It was clear that they were not passive spectators. They wanted to understand, to be part of what their grandchildren were experiencing.

This observation sparked a new question: what if older adults could take part in a version of this discipline adapted to their needs? And even more importantly, what if they could practise it together with their grandchildren?

The first event dedicated to shared activity between generations proved that the idea had enormous potential. Movements inspired by taekwondo—gentle, fluid, controlled—turned out to be perfectly suitable for older adults. Breathing exercises supported concentration and reduced stress, while simple balance and coordination routines offered real benefits for mobility and confidence. Even more striking was the way grandparents and grandchildren interacted: they encouraged one another, learned together, and created a space where age no longer felt like a barrier.

From that moment, the initiative began to evolve. What started as an experiment grew into a structured practice, repeated regularly and appreciated by families and instructors alike. TKD Rosignano understood that they had developed something meaningful: not just a new activity, but a new way of bringing generations together through movement.

As the idea took shape, it became clear that it could address broader challenges faced by European societies. Across the continent, the number of older adults is rising, while levels of physical activity among seniors remain low. Loneliness and social isolation are significant issues, and the connection between young and older generations is weakening in many communities. Yet older adults still play a crucial role in family life, often providing childcare and emotional support, especially in countries where grandparents are deeply integrated into daily routines.

The concept behind Youth & Wisdom directly responds to this reality. It invites older adults to rediscover their bodies, to stay active, and to cultivate well-being. At the same time, it allows young people to build a more positive and understanding relationship with older generations. Through shared practice, families rediscover the value of spending time together, learning from one another, and strengthening bonds that are too often overlooked.

What makes this project innovative is not only the activity itself, but also the methodology being developed around it. The partners involved—TKD Rosignano from Italy, CDES Miguel Torga from Portugal, SPORTSROOM from Bulgaria, and YMCAROMA from Italy—are working together to turn this experience into a replicable model. They are designing materials, guidelines, training pathways, and educational tools that will allow any sports association in Europe to adopt and implement this new discipline in their own context.

This cooperation reflects a truly European dimension. Each partner brings unique knowledge: martial arts and community education from Italy; expertise in lifelong sports participation from Portugal; youth empowerment and social inclusion from Bulgaria; and intergenerational programming and psychological support from Rome. Together, they create a comprehensive approach that bridges sport, education, and social innovation.

The project also complements many ongoing efforts in Europe to promote active ageing, improve mental and physical health, and strengthen social cohesion. By offering a practical and attractive way for older adults to stay active and connected, the initiative aligns perfectly with European strategies on inclusion, healthy lifestyles, and intergenerational solidarity.

Above all, Youth & Wisdom – Strength in Unity, Growth in Motion offers a powerful message. Ageing does not mean stepping aside. It can be a time of renewed participation, shared learning, and meaningful connection. Through this new discipline, older adults can rediscover confidence in their bodies, young people can appreciate the wisdom and presence of older generations, and communities can rebuild the bridges that hold them together.

From a small dojo in Tuscany, the idea is now ready to travel across Europe. And as it does, it carries with it a vision of sport not as competition, but as a shared language capable of uniting generations, empowering families, and strengthening the fabric of our societies.