YeW partnership: European sport organisations working together for active ageing and intergenerational inclusion

The YeW project brings together a strong European partnership united by a common vision: using sport as a tool to promote active ageing, social inclusion, well-being and intergenerational connection.

The consortium is composed of organisations from Italy, Bulgaria and Portugal, each bringing specific expertise in sport, non-formal education, community work and inclusive practices. Together, the partners aim to develop activities and materials that can help older adults remain active, connected and involved in community life, while also encouraging meaningful relationships between different generations.

The project is coordinated by TKD Rosignano, an Italian sports association based in Vada, in the municipality of Rosignano Marittimo, Tuscany. The association plays an important role in its local community, offering taekwondo activities for children, young people, adults and older participants. Its work is not limited to sport practice: TKD Rosignano is also recognised by families as an educational point of reference, promoting values such as discipline, respect, personal growth and community cohesion. Through its intergenerational approach, the association creates opportunities for younger and older members to train, learn and grow together.

From Bulgaria, SPORTSROOM contributes with its experience in sport, non-formal education and social innovation. Founded in 2021, the organisation works in several Bulgarian cities and promotes sport as a vehicle for inclusion, empowerment and community development. Its activities include training courses, workshops, conferences and sport-based initiatives focused on healthy lifestyles, youth empowerment, gender equality, social inclusion and well-being. SPORTSROOM also works with older adults, recognising the potential of sport to reduce isolation, improve self-esteem and build more inclusive communities.

The Portuguese partner, CDESMT – Clube Desportivo da Escola Secundária Miguel Torga, is based in Massamá, near Lisbon. Founded in 2006, the organisation involves more than 300 athletes in disciplines such as gymnastics, dance, aerobics and acrobatics, with participants aged from 3 to 90 years old. CDESMT has strong experience in promoting sport as a tool for education, health and social participation. Its inclusive approach is particularly relevant for YeW, as the organisation actively works to create welcoming sport environments for people of different ages, backgrounds and identities.

The partnership also includes YMCAROMA Empowering Young People, the Roman branch of the international YMCA network. Founded in 2022, YMCAROMA works with children, young people, families and older adults through summer camps, sport activities, volunteer training and community-based initiatives. Its experience in intergenerational work, psychological support and inclusive educational environments represents an important contribution to the project. YMCAROMA’s activities are based on values such as participation, solidarity, inclusion, freedom and community.

The added value of the YeW partnership lies in the combination of different but complementary experiences. Each partner brings a specific perspective: martial arts and community education, team sports and social innovation, gymnastics and inclusive sport environments, youth work and intergenerational community programmes. This diversity allows the project to develop a holistic approach to active ageing, addressing both the physical and emotional needs of older adults.

Through cooperation, the partners will work together to create practical materials, training activities and communication tools that can support sport organisations in making their activities more accessible and meaningful for older adults. At the same time, YeW will promote the idea that sport can become a bridge between generations, helping people of different ages connect, learn from each other and build stronger communities.

The project therefore represents more than a set of sport activities. It is a European collaboration aimed at rethinking the role of sport in ageing societies, promoting participation, health and social bonds across generations.