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On October 30 and 31, ANCE successfully hosted two online events to present the final results of the Erasmus+ project, Sports in Greenways (SIGWAY). In the context of concluding the project’s activities, ANCE invited relevant stakeholders and professionals to participate in these online events, which were attended by a total of 45 individuals. Participants had the opportunity to gain insights into the project’s final outcomes and the activities undertaken throughout its 2.5-year duration. The response to the events was substantial, fostering a constructive dialogue regarding the potential for the project’s continuation and the utilization of its results.  

The SIGWAY project is an innovative initiative aiming to transform unused greenways and abandoned railways into vibrant sports infrastructure, fostering regional development and enhancing community well-being. This ambitious project took a significant step forward through two Multiplier Events organized in Slovakia, designed to promote project outcomes and facilitate strategic discussions among stakeholders. 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.  

Exploring the Sport activities in Greenways: SIGWAY Project Multiplier Event at the ÖBB Open Innovation Factory On October 17th, 2024, SIGWAY Project multiplier event was held the ÖBB Open Innovation Factory in collaboration with Bahn zum Berg. The event brought together participants from ÖBB, NGOs, educators, and coaches to explore the transformative potential of Greenways across Europe and Austria. The event was a resounding success, kicking off with a compelling presentation by the Managing Director of the Innovative Education Center. The presentation highlighted the Greenway concept and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations and European Union policies. This set the stage for a lively discussion about participants’ familiarity with Greenways—a revelation for many who were unaware of their existence despite frequenting these trails for activities such as cycling and hiking. The introduction of the SIGWAY project was a key highlight, detailing its overarching goals and the strides made within Austria. An in-depth analysis of the existing network of green sports routes was showcased, uncovering their current state and potential for enhancement. Attendees were introduced to the “Handbook: Good Practice Sport Activities” and the pilot programs for sports activities on potential Greenways. Participants were particularly intrigued to see the comprehensive analysis of Greenways within Austria, with many expressing surprise at their visibility and accessibility. A detailed map was presented, illustrating both existing and potential Greenways, with information about location, ownership status, route details, integrated village connections, activities, tourist attractions, potential users, website access, and GPX files. A notable addition to the event was Martin Heppner from Bahn zum Berg, who shared insights from his two bicycle excursions to the identified potential greenways. He presented captivating pictures and findings, showcasing the lines and connections within these regions. His photographs highlighted the cultural heritage of old railway trains along these trails, underscoring the rich history embedded in these pathways. Martin’s observations on what needs to be done to convert these trails into official greenways were enlightening, and his visual documentation provided attendees with a vivid understanding of the opportunities and challenges involved. The event culminated in an interactive Q&A session, where participants eagerly shared ideas for enhancing recreational sport activities on Greenways. Insights were exchanged on strategies to increase their appeal and accessibility. A notable contribution came from an ÖBB participant who shared a map of unused railway lines, sparking innovative ideas for identifying additional potential Greenways—three of which were already included in the project. The enthusiasm didn’t end there; participants expressed a strong desire to engage in follow-up activities, with proposed cycling events in collaboration with an NGO from Graz. This event not only fostered a deeper understanding of Greenways but also laid the groundwork for future initiatives to enhance sustainable mobility and sport across the region. The SIGWAY Project multiplier event was more than just a meeting; it was a pivotal opportunity to enhance the visibility of existing greenways and available sports activities, while also raising awareness about the potential for converting unused railways into vibrant greenways.  

The National Multiplier event in Belgium was held past 22 September in Court – Saint- Etienne (Belgium), organised by European Greenways Association and Chemins du Rail, with the cooperation of the Commune de Court -St-Etienne, in province of Walloon Brabant. The Belgium event consisted of an attractive bike ride along the greenway, the RAVel (*) 141, and continued with a presentation of the SIGWAY project and its main results, followed by a lively debate with the participants. All this organised in the framework of the ‘4e Mobility Village ‘ , within the European Mobility Week initiative of the municipality of Court St-Etienne, (Belgium) in partnership with the parents’ association of Collège Saint-Etienne. Many of the more than 400 participants in the “4eme ville de la mobilite” were able to learn about the Sport in Greenways project at the CdR & SIGWAY stand, informed by an engaged team throughout the day. Our highest thanks to all of them for the great collaboration! For further info click here.  

On the last 29th September the ADCS Carvalhais organized a Multiplier Event related to the “SIGWAY – Sport in Greenways” Erasmus+ Sport Project. This event had two parts, one related with the presentation of the project itself, the results and the activities developed in the last 30 months and a second part where the 50 participants had the opportunity to do a 7 Km’s Walk in the Tua Greenway between Carvalhais and Vilar de Ledra in the Municipality of Mirandela. This event was integrated in the celebration of the European Week of Sport 2024.  

On Friday, October 18, Defoin realized the first multiplier event at the VV Montes de Hierro headquarters in Bizkaia. This event brought together representatives from the municipalities and councils of Sopuerta, Galdames, Zierbena, and Artzentales, as well as the ADR of Abanto, the mobility directorate of the Foral Diputación of Bizkaia, and the coordinators from VV Montes de Hierro and ADR Enkarterrialde. Defoin’s  European Projects team presented the findings of SIGWAY, and together, attendees explored how these results could be applied locally and discussed potential collaborations for future projects. The second multiplier event took place during a a Nordic walking event in Bizkaia. In addition to sharing the project’s goals and outcomes, Defoin actively participated in the sporting activities alongside the participants! A third and final multiplier event is scheduled to take place in Madrid in the coming days!

Are you curious to learn more about the SIGWAY project results? Watch these short videos created by IEC AUSTRIA and get inspired by the achievements of the SIGWAY project! A brief overview of the SIGWAY Project Results! 1st part A brief overview of the SIGWAY Project Results! 2nd part

On 18 September, the project partners met in Aarschot for the final transnational project meeting, hosted by the European Greenways Association. The final meeting provided an opportunity for the project team to evaluate whether all objectives and targets had been met, to discuss the overall project performance, challenges faced and solutions implemented. The 19th of September was the day of the SIGWAY European  multiplier event. An interactive round table was organised to present project results and good practices from very experienced stakeholders. Participants had the opportunity to discuss together the transferability and sustainability of the SIGWAY project results. In the afternoon, project partners and stakeholders had the opportunity to explore the 19 km Aarschot Greenway by bike. Stay tuned for the video of the European Conference in Aarschot!  

On the 31st August, Trekkify organised the final project multiplier event in the beautiful setting of the city of Spoleto. The event was part of the Spoleto Norcia in MTB, one of the most famous cycling tourism events in Italy.  Every year the event brings together lovers of nature and outdoor sports, organising a wide range of sporting activities along the old Spoleto Norcia railway line, as well as conferences on sport, nature and territorial development. Trekkify, with the valuable collaboration of the organisers of Spoleto Norcia in MTB (mentioned as one of the good practices in the document “SIGWAY Handbook: 7 cases of successful sport activities in greenways), organised a panel to present the results of the SIGWAY project and discuss the opportunities of the circular economy in sports. The panelists were: Eleonora Cesaretti – President of ASD Trekkify. Irene Morici – Project Manager. Giovanni Maria Paroli, Councillor for Entrepreneurial Marketing and Innovation and Tourism 4.0 of the Municipality of Spoleto. Luca Ministrini, creator of the Spoleto Norcia in MTB. It was an event full of food for thought and exchanges that we are sure will give rise to future activities for the development of sport and greenways!  

ADCS Carvalhais in Portugal organized two Focus Groups on the last 14 and 15 May. These focus groups had a total of 11 participants representing 6 organisations from the North of Portugal: Tua Regional Park Association, Junta de Freguesia de Carvalhais, Development Association for the Terra Quente Region, Municipality of Amarante, Municipality of Marco de Canaveses and the Intermunicipality Community of Tâmega and Sousa. As a summary of the long discussion, we can say that all stakeholders agree and can identify potential, opportunities and utility in the conversion of the identified Potential Greenways in Future Greenways. We can also say that the conversions of the Railways in Greenways, in this moment, it’s not the first option for the stakeholders in both Focus Groups, because of political priorities related with the mobility of the populations but everybody agrees that it can be a very good “Plan B”.