NONFORMAL LEARNING BY SPORT
About the project
Goal & objectives
The goal of the youth exchange was to address the problem of disinterest of young people aged 16-25 from Romania, Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia towards non-formal learning sports by providing them with the chance to practice and experience mountain biking, hiking, and archery. The project facilitated the exchange of opinions, values and attitudes in the field of promotion of non-formal learning sports.
O1. Increased the organizational capacity of partners to coordinate regularly at least one of the three nonformal learning sports presented in our project;
O2. Developed hands-on knowledge, skills, and attitudes of 48 young people active in the 4 partner organisations on initiation in the field of nonformal learning sports;
O3. Raise awareness among 48 young participants about the capacity of these three sports to be excellent nonformal learning contexts for the development of supporting teamwork, intercultural learning and responsibility.
3 sports as Nonformal learning methods
ARCHERY
Archery is the sport, practice, or skill of using a bow to shoot arrows. The word comes from the Latin arcus, meaning bow. Historically, archery has been used for hunting and combat. In modern times, it is mainly a competitive sport and recreational activity. A person who practices archery is typically called an archer or bowman. Competitive archery involves shooting arrows at a target for accuracy from a set distance. This is the most popular form of competitive archery worldwide and is called target archery.
HIKING
Hiking is walking in nature as a recreational activity. Especially for sedentary people, hiking is suitable as a natural exercise that promotes physical fitness, is economical and convenient, and requires almost no special equipment. Because hikers can walk as far as they want, there is no physical strain unless they walk among hills or mountains. Hiking is an activity which allows exploring new places while enjoying the beauty of nature alone, or even better, together with friends.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain biking is the activity of riding a bicycle on various types of off-road trails. It takes stamina, speed, balance and technical skills to navigate rough terrain. Unlike road cyclists, mountain bikers follow obstacles and see the world as a natural and challenging playground full of twisty trails. Vertical downhill sections, steep ascents, loose rocks, tree roots: everything is an opportunity to put one's skills to the test! There are different mountain biking disciplines, from adrenaline-pumping descents to gentle rides on scenic forest trails.
Benefits of nonformal learning by sport
ARCHERY
can be practised by all, no matter age, gender or ability;
while physically drawing a bow does expend energy, so does walking to the target end on end to collect arrows;
the act of drawing a bow puts tension on the chest, hands, arm and large upper back muscles -> continuous repetition of this movement strengthens these tissues.
maintain focus on their shot routine, avoiding distractions like wind, distance or noise to deliver the perfect arrow;
staying calm and accurate under pressure by managing breathing, concentration and nervousness.
Hiking
it benefits heart health while also improving blood pressure and blood sugar levels;
helps increase the strength in the leg muscles, builds stability in the core muscles and enhances balance skills;
it improves the sense of direction and orientation in space;
increases the level of awareness about the environment;
eases stress and boosts mental wellbeing;
it can allow you to unplug from technology;
it is an excellent team-building activity.
Mountain biking
MTB works out not only the legs and strengthens the heart and lungs, but also exercises the upper body (when climbing with the bike or manoeuvering with the arms);
spending time on the trails can be a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the beautiful scenery;
boosts riders' balance, coordination and stability;
discovering new trails and places;
experiment with challenging situations together with teammates and thus improve friendships between people.
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Dissemination
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