BELGRADE, SERBIA – From May 28th to 30th, 2025, the Association Sport for All Serbia successfully hosted the international kick-off meeting for the HEPA-Olympics project. This initiative, co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ non-for-profit sport events program, marks a significant step forward in promoting healthy lifestyles across the Balkan region.

The HEPA-O project is led by the Bulgarian organization BG Be Active, in collaboration with two key regional partners: Association Sport for All Suceava Romania and Association Sport for All Serbia. The Belgrade meeting served as a vital platform for partners to exchange experiences in school-based interventions and to finalize the project’s strategic roadmap. 

A core pillar of HEPA-O is positioning educators as central figures in promoting physical activity. The project recognizes that by improving the physical and health status of teachers, we directly enhance their professional performance and, consequently, the well-being of the students they lead.

By mid-2026, the consortium will work closely with 100 educators to implement pilot activities designed to foster a sustainable culture of movement within the school system.

During the three-day event, partners defined the scientific methodology for the upcoming research paper and established the framework for the pilot activities. This data-driven approach ensures that the project’s impact can be accurately measured and integrated into broader national and European health strategies. 

For the Association Sport for All Serbia, participation in HEPA-O is directly aligned with its Active Serbia 2030 Mission. By enhancing the competencies of educators and school systems, the project contributes to the national goal of making physical activity accessible and rewarding for everyone.

The hosts organized guided visits to Belgrade’s most iconic landmarks, including the historic Kalemegdan Fortress, the vibrant Tašmajdan Park, and the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija. These cultural excursions allowed the international partners from Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia to strengthen their professional bonds.

The HEPA-O project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority.