The second transnational meeting of the TAS (The Age of Sports) project, co-funded by the European Union, brought together a group of experts and enthusiasts of sports and social inclusion in Rome, coming from various European associations. From October 16 to 18, 2024, representatives from A.S.D. Romacammina (Italy), Arte del Contatto (Italy), Clube Desportivo da Escola Secundária Miguel Torga (Portugal), and Sportsroom (Bulgaria) gathered to delve into best practices in sports for adult and elderly populations, sharing experiences and innovative approaches to inclusion that are effective from local to European levels.
This meeting was characterized by a series of intensive and collaborative activities, designed to foster reflection and innovation on the role of sports in adulthood and later life. The program kicked off with a training session, “Sports in Action: How Sport Can Intervene,” which allowed participants to discuss how sports activities can positively influence the daily lives of adults, not only in terms of physical well-being but also social inclusion. This discussion expanded with a dedicated workshop on the benefits of sports for the elderly. During this exchange, participants explored the multifaceted advantages of physical activity, considering not only physical health but also its impact on quality of life and mental well-being.
One of the meeting’s highlights was the advocacy activity, where association members worked together to design an awareness campaign titled “Benefits of Sports for the Elderly Population.” This session allowed participants to discuss key messages and communication strategies, highlighting the role sports can play in promoting an active and healthy lifestyle even in advanced age.
During the meeting, the initial video results from the online course “Working Out an Older Adult in a Training Session” were also presented. This course was created to offer instructors and associations a practical guide on how to manage training sessions for an older audience. This tool generated considerable interest among participants, as it represents a valuable resource for expanding practical knowledge on how to motivate and support elderly individuals through sports.
Among the most engaging activities, the masterclasses provided a unique opportunity for in-depth learning. The “Sport Masterclass” offered a practical overview on how to train an older adult, with a particular focus on session planning and selecting the most suitable exercises. During the “Sport and Psychology Masterclass,” participants explored the psychological impact of sports on the elderly, discovering how physical activity can enhance mood, reduce stress, and increase mental resilience.
Finally, the “Inclusive Masterclass” focused on the principles of diversity management within sports associations, demonstrating how to create inclusive environments that embrace differences and encourage active participation by all, regardless of age or physical abilities.
At the end of the meeting, participants took away not only technical and practical knowledge but also a heightened awareness of why sports associations must be inclusive, how inclusion can be promoted through sports, and what physical and psychological benefits physical activity can offer the elderly population. The phenomenon of Europe’s aging population was discussed with data in hand, reinforcing the belief that projects like TAS can represent a concrete and proactive response to this demographic challenge across Europe.
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