The PLAYFUL AGEING project was officially launched with an engaging and dynamic kick-off event that brought together stakeholders and basketball enthusiasts from Slovenia. Held on 31 March 2023 in Ljubljana, the event served as an introduction to the project’s core objectives and anticipated outcomes, followed by a lively mixed-gender basketball game to celebrate the spirit of inclusion and fun that defines the project.
The event kicked off with an introduction to the PLAYFUL AGEING project, a collaborative initiative involving partners from Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia. PLAYFUL AGEING aims to promote active participation in grassroots basketball across all age groups, enhance international cooperation, and foster sustainable practices in sports event management. The project’s primary goal is to create a blueprint for organizing large-scale, inclusive, and eco-friendly basketball tournaments while strengthening the capacity of sports staff and volunteers to deliver high-quality events.
During the presentation, the project manager outlined the project’s specific goals, which include:
- Encouraging Lifelong Basketball Participation: Promoting basketball for people of all ages, from youth to veterans, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of physical activity and team sports.
- Promoting International Cooperation: Bringing together teams from different countries to foster cultural exchange, friendship, and mutual understanding through basketball.
- Implementing Sustainable Practices: Encouraging green event management practices that minimize environmental impact, such as waste reduction and energy-efficient solutions.
- Building Capacity Among Sports Staff and Volunteers: Providing training and resources to enhance the skills needed for organizing large, inclusive sports events, ensuring high-quality and well-run tournaments.
The event also introduced the expected outcomes of the PLAYFUL AGEING project, which include three International Grassroots Basketball Tournaments, Workshops for Sports Staff and Volunteers, Desk Research Review, and Event Manual.
To highlight the inclusive spirit of the PLAYFUL AGEING project, the event featured a mixed-gender basketball game, which symbolized the project’s commitment to gender equality and inclusiveness in sports. Players of different ages and genders came together on the court, demonstrating the importance of teamwork, cooperation, and mutual respect in basketball. The game was a joyful and energetic affair, with participants enjoying the opportunity to engage in friendly competition while celebrating the project’s values of diversity and collaboration. The game showcased the core mission of PLAYFUL AGEING — to create a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone to participate in grassroots basketball, regardless of socio-economic background, age or gender.
The PLAYFUL AGEING Kick-Off Event was a resounding success, setting the stage for the project’s upcoming activities. By introducing its aims and expected outcomes, the event energized stakeholders, who now look forward to the realization of the project’s vision. The mixed-gender basketball game was a fitting tribute to the values of inclusion and sportsmanship that lie at the heart of the project.