The HEPA-O project, short for Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Olympics, is officially underway. And it began with more than just a launch. It began with energy, purpose and a bold question: What if teachers led the movement for healthier schools not from the sidelines, but from the heart of the action?

At the first coordination meetings held in May 2025, partners from Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia and European experts came together to set the tone: collaborative, creative and focused on change that lasts.

What’s the project about?

HEPA-O is an Erasmus+ Sport initiative designed to empower all teachers, not just physical education specialists, to become ambassadors of healthy living. The goal is to shift school culture by making physical activity, mental wellbeing and nutrition a natural part of daily life—for educators first, and through them, for students.

What did we discuss?

• Teachers first. Research shows that if teachers are active and engaged in their wellbeing, students benefit too. That’s why HEPA-O puts teachers at the center.
• No one-size-fits-all. The upcoming HEPA framework won’t rely on rigid fitness tests. Instead, we’ll offer activities that teachers want to try—like dance, active commuting, team challenges and workshops on physical literacy, nutrition and mental health.
• Data with a heart. We’ll collect insights from teachers through surveys and interviews—not just for numbers, but to truly listen to what they need.
• Local leadership. The framework will be co-created in each country. From walking tests to joyful movement sessions, the partners are shaping experiences based on what works on the ground.

What’s coming next?

• National open calls for schools to join the program
• Teacher-focused workshops and community-building events
• A European webinar on longevity, health, and teacher wellbeing
• A shared resource hub and visual storytelling from real educators
• Intra- and inter-school events throughout 2026
• And most importantly—a growing network of empowered teachers who move first, so the rest can follow.

This is not just a project. It’s a quiet revolution in how we think about health in schools.
Welcome to HEPA-O. Where teachers move first—and everyone wins.