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EGWA’s 1st pilot activity for Saturday 16 March was a cycling activity to discover nature and heritage along line 38 of the RAVel, and of course, to have fun! Organised in cooperation with the Maison du Tourisme de Pays de Herve. Invited to participate were the “Dagasses” of the Patro de Thimister-Clermont. The young participants, equipped with a node bracelet of the itinerary and their smartphone, followed the cyclo-quiz of the Pays de Herve, of about twenty km, making the corresponding stops to answer the questions of the contest. Leon, the activity guide, provided information on the landscape and history along the route, as well as safety tips at crossroads. The stops in Clermont, one of the most beautiful cities in Wallonia, and in Fort Battice, were particularly noteworthy. The 2nd pilot activity in Belgium held nearby Herentals, organised by EGWA in collaboration with the province of Antwerp and the Welkome Café Velo Club, on 17/March. A group of sport cyclists, coordinated by Jo Helsen, the team’s “coach” participated in the activity along the Herentals-Aarschot greenway and no motorised network around. Several stops were made along the route to reflect on some of the issues cyclists on the former railway line may face (e.g. crossings at junctions, oncoming traffic, slow and fast cyclists, families with children on the way, cycling courtesy, etc.). The ride also included an old line leading to a former military base, which is now designed as KAMP C – centre for sustainable construction and housing in Antwerp province, to raise awareness about environment and circular economy, as SIGWAY objectives. The tour ended with a drink and a delicious spaghetti at the Welkome café, and big smiles from all the participants, reflecting the sense of wellbeing, that this activity brought. It has been a truly unforgettable experience!!

Last Sunday, Trekkify organised an engaging piloting activity along the historic former Spoleto-Norcia railway, involving 37 participants: elderly people for whom the initiative was specially dedicated, together with some of their family members and the Trekkify staff. Surrounded by beautiful natural landscape, participants undertook a walk along the railway track, discovering hidden treasures in the surroundings guided by the Coaches Luca and Eleonora. During the activity, participants were privileged to benefit from the expertise of Ira , who led them through the exploration of the variety of wild herbs in the area. They were breathless when they walked out of the first tunnel and crossed the Cortaccione bridge, astonishing at the beauty of the landscape.

This past March 20th & 21st, IEC community came together for an unforgettable outdoor adventure along the scenic routes of the Dampfross and Drahtesel Greenway. In an inspiring display of vigor and tranquility, participants engaged in invigorating Aerobic Fitness sessions and restorative Yoga-Stretching exercises, all set against the backdrop of nature’s unparalleled beauty. The event, was more than just an exercise session; it was a holistic experience designed to promote health, environmental awareness, and community growth through sports activities on greenways. Participants explored the untouched landscapes of the greenways, discovering peaceful havens where adventure meets serenity. – Engagement: Over two sunny days, we gathered at the Leopoldau Metro Station, eager to escape the city’s hustle and immerse ourselves in the calming presence of nature. – Activities: From heart-pumping aerobic exercises to soothing yoga stretches, the event catered to all fitness levels, ensuring everyone could partake in the joy of movement. – Special Moments: Each participant received a free yoga mat, enhancing their experience and serving as a token of our appreciation for their commitment to wellness and environmental stewardship. – Community Spirit: The event was a testament to the power of community, bringing together individuals from all walks of life united by a common goal—to enjoy and preserve the natural world around us.

In Spain, 28 young people from different regions have participated in 2 pilot activities in Greenways: a trekking route with an acroyoga workshop in the Fuso’s Greenway, held in Asturias on the 10th March, and a cycling route with an overnight stay in a youth hostel in the Tajuña’s Greenway, organised in Madrid on the 16th and 17th of March. Many of the young participants highlighted how these activities helped them to get off the screen and make them feel better, by having fun spending time with friends in a natural surrounding. The collaboration and involvement of the Defoin staff, as well as acroyoga instructors, sports technicians, and local organisations such as Matagrama Cycling Club, were the key for a successful implementation of the activity.

The SIGWAY project has taken on the ambitious task of promoting healthy outdoor activities and sports, while simultaneously addressing crucial environmental issues and boosting local economies. As part of this effort, the project will be organizing national sport events in 7 different EU countries. These events will serve as a crucial part of the sport training program and will ensure that the new sport activities designed for young people, women, seniors, and those with different physical abilities are implemented effectively and successfully. It is important to note that the physical condition of participants will vary, ranging from low to medium and high, in order to ensure that everyone has access to these activities and can benefit from them. The goal of these SIGWAY national sport events is to encourage and promote healthy activity in the form of outdoor sports, particularly those that can be enjoyed on greenways and in natural settings. Through participation in these events, individuals will be able to enjoy the benefits of physical activity, while also learning about important environmental issues and practicing sustainable habits. In an effort to promote these new sports activities and greenways, OTI Slovakia has organised the first SIGWAY national sport events in Slovakia. Given the significant need for transforming abandoned railways into greenways, the innovative sport program focuses on Nordic walking, which allows participants to walk on potential future greenways.

Some days ago the representatives of project partners spent 3 days in  Ružomberok, Slovakia, attending a training of trainers and the  transnational project meeting. The training session focused in: analysing the potential of greenways in Europe and the circular economy; planning potential sports activities to be implemented on greenways; visiting the Cyklokorytnicka cycle path, built on an old abandoned railway; Participants also had the opportunity to join the Nordic Walking workshop, organised by the Slovak Nordic Walking Association. Next steps? Project partners are now working in the development of the Sport programs addressed to different target groups.

We met in Madrid to discuss the project activities and the next steps. During the meeting, partner organizations also had the chance to visit the Tajuña greenway. Stay tuned for all SIGWAY news, activities and results and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!