Background
Adolescence is a pivotal phase marked by profound physical, psychological, and social transformation. As part of the HOORAY project, a compendium of practices has been compiled. By sharing examples from mental health-promoting physical-activity programs implemented in various countries within Europe, stakeholders can learn from each other, develop new offerings, or redesign existing offerings.
Programs
The benefits of any physical-activity program depend on how, how much, where and by whom the activity is offered to adolescents. For this reason, it is crucial to identify and share the practices that work (also referred to as “good practices”). For example, the Italian Horses & Butterflies project was designed to test the potential of equestrian vaulting exercise in promoting the psychological and physical well-being of young girls suffering from anorexia. Icehearts is a Finish program that aims to provide a long-term professional support to vulnerable children and adolescents through a 12-year program based on team sports. Children needing special support and recognized at risk of social exclusion are selected in collaboration with professionals from preschool, school, and social services. KacsaKő Experience Programs is a Hungarian program designed to build an inclusive community where disadvantaged and privileged young people can come closer to each other, reducing prejudices, improving social-psychological skills, preventing radicalization and overcoming conflicts misunderstanding. The main tools for project activities are non-formal, outdoor and experience-based learning methods.
Contact
Chair of Sport and Health Management
Prof. Dr. Jörg Königstorfer
Uptown München Campus D
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62
80992 München
Tel. +49.89.289.24558
Fax +49.89.289.24642
www.hs.mh.tum.de/mgt