We are facing major challenges in our society and outdoor sports can play their part in helping to tackle these. The climate and associated biodiversity crises are always close to our hearts as outdoor sports enthusiast and so will be a key theme again at the 2024 Euro’meet. However, aligned to this there are human health challenges with mental well-being especially among young people raising significant concern. Physical activity continues to be a major contributing factor to health and well-being. Inactivity is, however, still a challenge in all countries across Europe.  We need innovative, stimulating and inclusive solutions that will help people to be more active throughout the life course.

The workshops and interactive sessions will ensure that delegates get new knowledge and inspiration from speakers and facilitators representing all sectors as well as different countries. And we will ensure formats that provide excellent opportunities for delegates to share ideas, network and discuss how solutions can be implemented in their own settings.

Throughout the Euro’meet 2024 we will also look at how technology and better use of information systems can support innovative solutions to dealing with these challenges.

 

1.       Outdoor sports innovations for tackling climate change and environmental issues

This theme will focus on how outdoor sports can and should be at the forefront of the race to net zero emissions and nature restoration through innovative nature based solutions and restorative positive mechanisms. It will also look at how we can help to promote the messaging on climate friendly solutions and nature restoration in new and dynamic ways to both outdoor enthusiasts and people in general. We will hear from experts and local heroes who are making a difference in their behaviours but also influencing others. We will explore and discuss what needs to be done to effect urgent and dramatic change. We cannot manage what we do not know, so the use of online and technological solutions to help understand environmental impact and circular knowledge will be showcased through this theme.

 

2.       Outdoor sports innovations for tackling well-being inequalities.

This theme will focus on how outdoor sports can support those who are facing the challenge of poor health by providing innovative low cost / no cost solutions that can genuinely make a difference to improve health and well-being (both physical and mental). There is significant evidence of the importance of being active in green space to reduce health risks but also in promoting recovery. There are clubs, federations, public institutions and organisations that are providing amazing solutions and we want to hear about these and share the ideas more broadly across Europe.

 

3.       Outdoor sports innovations for tackling physical inactivity

The most recent Euro-barometer on Sport and Physical Activity reports that 45% of Europeans report that they never exercise or play sport. However, it is lower for women and girls and also for those living with a disability or among those who face financial difficulties. Taking part in competitive and high energy sport can seem unrealistic for many people but innovation in the outdoor sports sector can provide great opportunities for people to take the first steps into a more active lifestyle. This workshop will focus on how we get more people from all aspects of society to be more active more of the time and thereby receive the physical, mental and social health benefits of being active in nature.