On December 4, 2024, the União de Freguesias de Gondomar, in partnership with Ala Nun’Álvares sports club, organized the first sustainable and inclusive sports event of the Green Team project in Portugal. This sports event for children featured activities as volleyball, table tennis, boccia, and walking football, all designed to promote sustainability and inclusivity for a brighter, greener future.
Fostering Sustainability and Social Inclusion
Sustainable development is at the heart of the approach adopted by the União de Freguesias de Gondomar, partner of the Green Team project. Their mission is to foster social inclusion, lifelong learning and environmental responsibility. They aim to show that sustainability can be integrated into every aspects of life, particularly in sport.
By hosting this event as part of Green Team, they demonstrated how sports can be a powerful vehicle for positive change.
“Our hope is that these values will resonate long after the event, leaving a lasting impact on all involved.” highlights the União de Freguesias de Gondomar.
Engaging the Younger Generation
Around 80 children, accompanied by their teachers, took part in this sports event, alongside 20 adults and coaches from the Ala Nun’Alvares sports club.
Several accessible and inclusive sports activities have been offered – volleyball, table tennis, boccia and walking football – encouraging friendly competition and teamwork, while also reinforcing the importance of physical activity in a sustainable and inclusive environment.
In addition, the event brought together different generations, encouraging them to collaborate, have fun, and learn about the importance of sustainability and inclusion.
Eco-Friendly Practices: Leading by Example
Sustainability wasn’t just a theme; it was put into action through various green initiatives:
- Environmentally Friendly Transport: Children walked to the event with their teachers, reducing carbon emissions. Adults were encouraged to carpool, with coaches from Ala Nun’Alvares also joining in.
- Reusable Water Bottles: Each participant received a reusable water bottle, with a refill station set up to reduce plastic waste.
- Waste Separation: Clearly marked recycling stations were placed throughout the venue to promote proper waste disposal.
- Healthy Snacks: Fresh fruit was served to participants, emphasizing the link between healthy eating and sustainability.
- Energy-Efficient Facilities: The event was held in a pavilion powered by solar panels, using energy-efficient LED lighting to minimize its environmental footprint.
Together for a Greener Future
This event highlighted the powerful role that sports can play in promoting both sustainability and social inclusion. By blending environmental awareness with a focus on inclusivity, the União de Freguesias de Gondomar aimed to inspire the next generation to prioritize these values. The event also served as a model for other sports organizations, showcasing how sports can drive positive change. The hope is that by introducing young people to these principles, they will carry them forward into adulthood, fostering a future generation of responsible, environmentally conscious, and inclusive individuals. Ultimately, this gathering demonstrated that collective efforts can create meaningful change, setting the stage for a greener, more inclusive future.
