After 18 months of dedicated work, international cooperation, and active engagement of schools and students, the EUROPACE project is approaching its successful conclusion. The project, co-financed by the European Commission, brought together partners from across Europe with the common goal of promoting sport, inclusion, education, and healthy lifestyles among young people.

EUROPACE is an innovative school sports event where students compete locally in selected challenges such as relay running, basketball throws and Dragon Boat. Results are submitted and compared at European level, giving schools the excitement of international competition without long-distance travel. The event promotes teamwork, fair play, physical activity and school spirit while connecting young people across Europe through sport.

The European School Sport Federation (ESSF) proudly participated as one of the project partners, working closely with schools and local stakeholders throughout the implementation process. Three Belgian schools were actively involved in the project activities, aka two “Don Bosco network” schools from Halle and the “GO! Atheneum” school from Aalst.

Throughout the project, ESSF and all partners invested significant effort in preparing and organizing activities and events that encouraged intercultural exchange, teamwork, and active participation of young people. One of the main highlights of the project was the major event organized during the European Week of Sport on 15 September 2025. The event gathered 30 students and five teachers, creating an inspiring environment for learning, sport, and international cooperation.

The project also contributed to strengthening collaboration between schools, local communities, and European organizations, while promoting the values of fair play, inclusion, and healthy living through sport.

The final conference of the EUROPACE project will take place in Nantes, France on 28 May 2026. Representatives of ESSF, participating schools, project partners, and various stakeholders will attend both onsite and online. The conference will provide an opportunity to present the project’s achievements, share experiences and good practices, and discuss possibilities for future cooperation and sustainability of the project results.

As the project reaches its final stage, partners remain proud of the impact created among students, teachers, and local communities, demonstrating once again the important role of sport and education in building stronger European connections.