ISLANDS project: building the Island Alliance in Ibiza

ISLANDS is co-funded by the European Union

🇪🇺 ISLANDS is co-funded by the European Union

In April 2026, the ISLANDS partnership gathered in Ibiza for its first transnational meeting, marking a key step in the development of the project.

After the initial coordination phase in São Miguel, this meeting focused on deepening cooperation, strengthening competences and transforming shared ideas into concrete actions.

Over five days, participants took part in workshops, practical sessions and collaborative activities, all aimed at reinforcing the social role of sport and promoting inclusion across island communities.

🌍 From coordination to cooperation

The first day set the tone for the meeting.

Partners reflected on the objectives and expectations of the transnational meeting and immediately engaged in a workshop on diversity education.

This session highlighted how sport can become a powerful tool to create inclusive environments, break down social barriers and bring people closer together.

A group team-building activity also helped strengthen connections among participants, reinforcing trust and collaboration within the partnership.

🤝 Sharing experiences and local impact

The second day focused on real experiences and community impact.

Through interactive workshops, participants explored the role of sports associations in their local contexts and discussed how they can contribute to social development.

A practical exchange session allowed partners to share best practices on inclusion, offering concrete tools, examples and inspiration for future activities.

Another team-building session reinforced cooperation, emphasising the value of working together across different island realities.

🏃 Sport professionals as agents of change

On the third day, the focus shifted to leadership and empowerment.

Participants explored the role of coaches and instructors as agents of change, capable of influencing behaviours and promoting inclusive values within their communities.

Through case studies and group work, they analysed real examples and co-designed inclusive and sustainable sports activities.

This phase strengthened one of the key ideas of ISLANDS: sport professionals can actively contribute to social transformation, not only through training, but also through education, care and community engagement.

🏝️ The birth of the Island Alliance

Day four represented a milestone for the project.

Participants took part in the “Inclusive Sports Challenge”, a practical activity that embodied the values of inclusion, cooperation and participation.

Following this, the consortium held the founding meeting of the Island Alliance.

During this session, partners defined the mission, operational structure and manifesto of the alliance, transforming project cooperation into a long-term network.

Strategies for future cooperation and exchange were also discussed, opening new perspectives beyond the project itself.

📣 Looking ahead: communication, storytelling and local action

The final day looked ahead to the future.

Participants worked on communication strategies to promote sports initiatives effectively, especially through online tools and storytelling.

At the same time, they planned upcoming local sports events, ensuring consistency with the project’s objectives and methodology.

The meeting concluded with a shared action plan for the next phase of the project.

✨ One alliance, three islands, one shared direction

The transnational meeting in Ibiza was more than a training experience.

It was the moment in which the ISLANDS partnership evolved into a true alliance, capable of generating impact not only locally, but also at a wider European level.

From coordination to action, ISLANDS continues its journey with a clear direction: using sport to connect people, empower communities and protect the environments they live in.