After two years of promoting intergenerational connections through physical activities and movement, the Erasmus+ project GUM (Generations Uniting through Movement) has reached an inspiring conclusion. The final project meeting took place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, following the Moving People- Moving Europe Conference, where partners celebrated achievements, shared challenges, and explored the future of this impactful initiative.

Workshop at the Moving People Moving Europe Conference
A day before to the closing meeting, GUM partners hosted a workshop during the Moving People- Moving Europe Conference, where over 120 participants co-created ideas for intergenerational activities. This hands-on session was a highlight of the conference, showcasing the power of collaboration and creativity in promoting generational connections. You can read more about this inspiring workshop here.

Stakeholders sharing their experiences
The final meeting came alive with an interactive presentation where stakeholders from Spain shared the inspiring stories and intelligent strategies behind their success. They showcased how integrating physical activities into students’ education brought structure and encouraged regular participation, making movement a natural part of learning. To motivate seniors, they got creative—when initial turnout was low, they enlisted physiotherapists to spread the word, sparking greater interest. One heart-warming idea was pairing each student with a “reference” senior, building personal connections that made the experience more meaningful for everyone. Regular trimester-based activities kept the momentum going, ensuring consistency and enthusiasm. Outreach efforts were another highlight, with emails and social media campaigns creating buzz—culminating in a memorable event during the European Week of Sport that drew 25 participants in a village of just 5,000. It was proof that even small communities can achieve big things when people come together!

Collaborative Efforts on Policy Recommendations
Part of the meeting focused on drafting policy recommendations for future initiatives. This collaborative session allowed all partners to bring their ideas and experiences to the table, shaping the next steps for GUM's sustainability.

Insights from the ISCA Executive Committee
The closing meeting was even more enriching and enjoyable thanks to the presence of three ISCA Executive Committee members—Helen Vost, Siu Yin CHEUNG, and Fernando Alves Da Silva—who brought their unique perspectives and expertise to the discussions. Their insights added depth to the reflections, inspiring the team to think beyond the immediate project outcomes and explore broader opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Looking Ahead: A Foundation for Growth
The partners expressed their satisfaction with the project’s outcomes and the collaborative process. However, there was a clear consensus: this is just the beginning. The team sees significant potential in expanding GUM’s reach and submitting plans to continue the work.
The vision includes connecting participants across the globe, sharing knowledge, and using the project's roots to build a larger, more impactful initiative. The emphasis is on ensuring GUM is not just a pilot project but a sustainable program that can evolve and grow, creating lasting change for generations to come.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the incredible partners who made the GUM project a success:

• Youth Sport Trust International (YSTI) from the United Kingdom,
• Sports Union of Slovenia (SUS),
• BG Be Active from Bulgaria,
• Deporte para la Educación y la Salud (DES) from Spain,
• StichtingHanzehogeschool Groningen (Hanze) from the Netherlands, and
• Azur Sport Santé from France.

As the leading partner, the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA)is deeply grateful for the collaboration, dedication, and shared vision of promoting intergenerational connections through movement. This journey would not have been possible without the collective efforts, expertise, and passion of every partner involved. Together, we have built a project that has the power to inspire communities for years to come. As one partner from Spain noted, “Both youth and elderly people want more!”. We share this sentiment and look forward to creating even more opportunities for intergenerational engagement in the future!