AJSPT Suceava Officially Launches the European HEPA Olympics Project in Suceava

Seventy teachers and coaches from 51 educational institutions participated in the launch event of the European HEPA Olympics (HEPA-O) project, organized by the Suceava County Sport for All Association (AJSPT Suceava) on October 2, 2025, at the Sports Programme High School in Suceava.

The event marked the official start of the implementation of the HEPA Olympics (HEPA-O) project—funded through the Erasmus+ Programme—which aims to promote Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) in schools and educational communities across Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia.

The activity brought together Physical Education teachers, school sports club coaches, and representatives of educational institutions from across Suceava County, representing both urban and rural areas. This diverse participation contributed to the creation of a strong regional network of promoters of active and healthy lifestyles.

The event took place in the presence of representatives of the Suceava County School Inspectorate and was honored by the participation of Mr. Marius Colțuneac, County School Inspector for Physical Education and Sport, together with the five regional coordinators of the Physical Education discipline representing both urban and rural areas of the county.

A European Project for More Active and Healthier Schools

During the working session, participants were introduced to the objectives and methodology of the HEPA-O project, as well as to the role of teachers in developing active and inclusive school communities.

The event agenda included:

• presentation of the HEPA concept and the objectives of the HEPA Olympics project;
• introduction to the HEPA-O methodology and Open Educational Resources;
• registration procedures for pilot activities and school team selection;
• the role and responsibilities of HEPA-O Ambassadors;
• dissemination and communication strategies;
• examples of good practices and educational synergies developed within the international consortium.

Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss concrete ways of implementing project activities within their own educational institutions.

Teachers as Ambassadors of Active Lifestyles

A central element of the project is the creation of a network of HEPA Ambassadors—teachers who will promote physical activity and healthy behaviours in schools, both during lessons and through extracurricular and community-based initiatives.

By directly engaging teachers and coaches, the project seeks to foster an organizational culture centered on health, inclusion, and wellbeing.

Throughout the project, participating educators will benefit from continuous training opportunities, digital resources, methodological guidelines, and national and international exchanges of good practices.

A Lasting Impact on the Educational Community

The sustainability of the project is ensured through the transfer of the HEPA-O methodology into everyday school practice and through the multiplication of project outcomes at local and regional levels.

Teachers trained within the project will integrate health-enhancing physical activity into curricula, extracurricular programmes, and community initiatives, contributing to increased levels of physical activity among students and school communities.

Through this approach, HEPA Olympics is not merely a sports project, but an innovative educational model that promotes health, wellbeing, and active participation in schools and communities.

HEPA Olympics – Active Teachers, Active Schools, Healthy Communities!