Friendship through orienteering
ERASMUS+ project
OBJECTIVES
The project aims to facilitate the formation of genuine friendships among participants from diverse backgrounds. By engaging in sports activities and collaborative projects, participants have the opportunity to bond and establish meaningful relationships, both within the group and with members of the local community.
Through participation in sports-based activities, young people have the chance to develop essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution. These skills are not only valuable in sports but also in various aspects of life, including academics, careers, and personal relationships.
By immersing participants in the unique culture and traditions, the project promotes cultural understanding, appreciation, and respect. Through exposure to local sports, games, and customs, participants gain insight into different ways of life and develop a broader perspective on cultural diversity.
Engaging in sports activities not only promotes physical health and fitness but also contributes to overall mental well-being. Through outdoor exploration and physical challenges, participants have the opportunity to rejuvenate their minds and bodies, promoting holistic wellness and self-care.
ACTIVITIES
The 3 countries involved in the project are: Estonia, Latvia and Italy. Each of the partner will send 8 participants (4 men and 4 women) for the project. Altogether the mobility will gather 24 participants + 3 group leaders + 2 support staff. All together 29 people to participate in this event.
Joint activities and workshops that promote teamwork, collaboration, and intercultural learning, group discussions and reflections, Cultural evenings, sport trainings, brainstorm, discussion in groups about best and worst practices, meet local people.
IMPACT
Our project has short term benefits such as integrating sport into the daily lives of our participants, promoting healthy life among young people, new partnerships with our partners. Besides, the long term benefits of our project can be stated as; to promote sport as a universal language, to create connections between people in our countries, to have our participants and their inner circles visit Estonia again for various purposes.
RESULTS
The project “Friendship Through Orienteering” aimed to promote social inclusion, teamwork, and cultural exchange among young participants through the sport of orienteering. The project focused on developing key life skills such as problem-solving, cooperation, and resilience while fostering friendships across diverse backgrounds. Over 20 young participants from different countries and communities took part in the project’s activities. Participants engaged in group-based orienteering challenges, enhancing their ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. Leadership roles were assigned during activities, allowing individuals to build confidence and take responsibility. Mixed-nationality teams encouraged intercultural learning and the breaking of social barriers, while workshops and discussions on cultural diversity and inclusivity complemented the physical activities.
Participants gained practical navigation skills, learning to use maps, compasses, and digital tools for orientation. Theoretical sessions covered environmental awareness, sustainability, and the historical significance of orienteering. The project promoted an active lifestyle, improving participants’ physical health and endurance. Problem-solving tasks and outdoor experiences contributed to mental well-being and self-confidence. Collaboration with local school and sports clubs ensured sustainable project impact, and over volunteers and facilitators were involved, contributing to a strong support network for participants. The project established a framework for regular orienteering events within participating communities. The “Friendship Through Orienteering” project successfully demonstrated how sports can be a powerful tool for social inclusion, skill development, and personal growth. By fostering friendships and teamwork across borders, it left a lasting positive impact on the participants and their communities. Future initiatives will build upon this foundation, ensuring continued engagement and learning through orienteering.
PARTNERS
TOETAJAD
