SandSI participates in the Erasmus+ Sport Info Day to explore partnership opportunities funded by the EU
On January 30, 2023, the 9th annual Erasmus+ Sport Info Day took place in Brussels, bringing together several sports stakeholders to discuss the European Union (EU) funding opportunities and its policy context aimed at supporting sport development initiatives. The event also provided opportunities for networking and engaging potential partners. Sport and Sustainability International (SandSI) was on-site for the first time in Brussels, to elaborate on partnership opportunities.
The EU’s Erasmus+ Programme is designed to provide a range of opportunities in the field of education, training, youth, and, most importantly, sport. A key focus of the programme is to build the knowledge, skills, and attitudes on climate change and support sustainable development both within the European Union and beyond.
The Programme is built around three key actions: (1) learning mobility of individuals (e.g., job shadowing or vocational exchanges), (2) cooperation projects, and (3) policy developments (e.g., the European Week of Sport and European Sport Awards).
(e.g., job shadowing or vocational exchanges), (2) cooperation projects, and (3) policy developments (e.g., the European Week of Sport and European Sport Awards).
When it comes to cooperation projects in the field of sport, stakeholders such as sport and sport-related organisations, academia, research, and in some instances even for-profit organisations - can choose from four main actions: small-scale partnership, collaborative partnerships, capacity-building or not-for-profit sport events. These actions must focus on one of the following aspects: (1) encouraging healthy lifestyles for all, (2) promoting integrity and the values of sport, (3) promoting education, and (4) ensuring equality and European values in and through sport. Funding opportunities range from 30,000 to 400,000 Euros. This funding supports the partnership of at least 2-3 organisations, and applicants must be from an EU Member State. These cooperation projects can last from 6 to 36 months.
As a Swiss-based organisation, SandSI is not eligible to be an applicant. However, due to the special focus of the Programme on environment and fight against climate change, SandSI can provide valuable expertise on sustainability as a partner. Our current contribution to four ongoing EU-funded projects demonstrates how SandSI can contribute and bring value to this exciting partnership and initiative.
SandSI Board Member Orsolya Tolnay attended the conference on behalf of SandSI. Contributing to the important work and conversations inspired by the initiative, Orsolya offered her knowledge and expertise on EU sport funding and policy making. Reflecting on the importance of collaborating with organisations to further sustainability through sport, Orsolya stated, “SandSI is delighted to support and promote important projects within the Erasmus+ Programme. We look forward to more collaborations in the future that will continue to drive not only the European dimension of sport, but also the global sustainability agenda forward ”.
