The first event was held on September 13, 2024, at Hotel Oko in Nitra, gathering 30 participants. Organized by OTI Slovakia, the event focused on the creative utilization of over 132.5 km of closed railway lines in Slovakia. Discussions centered on integrating circular economy principles with sports to revitalize these green routes for regional development. The event aimed to inspire stakeholders to envision the positive economic and social impacts of transforming unused railways into active sports infrastructure.
On October 19, 2024, the second event took place at the Greenway – Slavošovský Tunnel, involving a study visit. This gathering included 26 participants and provided a practical perspective on the potential of greenways. The Slavošovský Tunnel, selected as a model greenway, offered participants an immersive experience to understand the transformation process and its benefits. Representatives from Nitra-based sports associations and other stakeholders participated in this enriching three-day visit.
The profile of participants at these events was diverse, comprising board members and representatives from local outdoor sports associations, hiking clubs, and international participants from Czechia, Poland, and Romania.
The SIGWAY Multiplier Events successfully highlighted the transformative potential of greenway projects and gathered valuable insights for future initiatives. These events fostered a collaborative environment among local and international stakeholders, setting the stage for further development of rural sports infrastructure in Slovakia. Moving forward, the SIGWAY project aims to implement these insights and continue advocating for the strategic revitalization of greenways, benefiting rural communities across the region.
