The kick-off meeting for the PLAYFUL AGEING project took place from May 12 to May 14, 2023, in Slovenia, hosted by Sportna Unija Slovenije (SUS). The event marked the formal initiation of the project, gathering representatives from partner organizations to set project goals, clarify expectations, and foster collaboration. Over three days, participants discussed project implementation, administrative matters, and engaged in valuable team-building activities.
The meeting began with the arrival of participants in Ljubljana, followed by warm welcome from the project manager from SUS. She outlined the objectives of the PLAYFUL AGEING project, emphasizing collaboration and shared vision among partners. A “Get to Know Each Other” session followed, where each partner organization introduced themselves, discussed their activities, and shared their reasons for participating in the project. This icebreaker fostered open communication and set the stage for a collaborative environment. The first day concluded with a comprehensive presentation of the PLAYFUL AGEING project by SUS. This overview covered the project’s development, goals, and potential impact. A lively debate followed, where partners raised questions and shared initial reflections.
Day two took place in Kranjska Gora, the future venue for an international basketball tournament for senior recreational players—a key event later in the project period. The day began with a presentation of the project work plan by SUS, highlighting key milestones, deliverables, and the overall timeline. Participants discussed the responsibilities of each partner, focusing on how each organization would contribute to the project. In the afternoon, participants enjoyed a scenic walk around Kranjska Gora, including a visit to the sports infrastructure that will host the senior basketball tournament. The afternoon session focused on the detailed implementation plan for PLAYFUL AGEING. Partners engaged in in-depth discussions about the project’s objectives, expected impact, key activities, and stakeholder involvement. Challenges to implementation were anticipated, and participants brainstormed solutions and strategies to overcome potential barriers. By the end of the session, the group had agreed on guidelines and recommendations for moving forward. The day’s formal agenda concluded with a session on best practices, where each partner shared examples of successful initiatives from their own organizations. These discussions provided inspiration for how these models could be adapted to benefit the PLAYFUL AGEING project. The final day focused on the administrative and financial management of the project. The meeting concluded with a final reflections and conclusions session. Key takeaways were reviewed, and the next steps were agreed upon. The timeline for upcoming project activities was confirmed, solidifying the roadmap for future collaboration.
The kick-off meeting for the PLAYFUL AGEING project successfully achieved its goals of introducing the project, building partnerships, and establishing a clear path forward. The exchange of ideas, shared best practices, and collaborative spirit among partners set a strong foundation for the project’s success. The partners left the meeting with a shared sense of commitment, energized for the work ahead.