Erasmus + Sport 2017 – mountain biking included in 2 succesful project applications

After the succesfull project application CAPS MTB in 2016, two new Erasmus + project applications that include mountain biking have been approved. The Sport Chapter in the Erasmus+ Programme aims to support European partnerships on grassroots sport in order to pursue the following objectives:Tackle cross-border threats to the integrity of sport, such as doping, match fixing and violence, as well as all kinds of intolerance and discrimination;To promote and support good governance in sport and dual careers of athletes;To promote voluntary activities in sport, together with social inclusion, equal opportunities and awareness of the importance of health-enhancing physical activity, through increased participation in, and equal access to sport for allThe following actions in the field of sport are implemented through the Erasmus+ Programme:Collaborative PartnershipsSmall Collaborative PartnershipsNot-for-profit European sport eventsErasmus+ also supports Actions to strengthen the evidence base for policy making (studies, data gathering, surveys, etc.), to promote the dialogue with relevant European stakeholders (the EU Sport Forum, EU Presidency events, conferences, meetings, seminars, etc.). They are implemented by the European Commission either directly or through the Executive Agency.The CAPS MTB (Create a European Professional Standard for MTB instructor-guides) was the first succesfull project application, led by MCF with IMBA Europe as one of the consortium partners. The 2017 Erasmus + Sport call for proposals has been even more succesful with two approved projects that include mountain biking.  Collaborative partnerships MEW: Movement, Environment and WellbeingLead applicant: Centro Sportivo Educative Nazionale (IT)This project aims to establish a European Partnership in order to define a “protocol of activities” for the support of the physical activity for all, with the following slogan: cost savings in the health sector + personal and social well-being + protection of the environment. IMBA Europe joined as partner while there’s a special interest for mountain biking in this project and we believe the project will be very helpful to monitor the health benefits (cost savings) of mountain biking. Data gathered by this project can be used for mountain bike advocacy purposes. At project closure, the “European Network for Health” will be established in order to promote physical activity and the health care savings and identify areas where resources produced could be used.Small Collaborative partnershipsWe bike together – training and trail mapping in EuropeLead applicant: Fondazione per lo Sport Silvia Rinaldi (IT)This project aims to promote sport for all, with particular reference to people with a physical disability and hand-bike users. IMBA Europe supported the project by a letter of recommendation, but did not become a project partner. Still, we are glad the project application was approved and that the municipality of Agueda joined the project consortium. Agueda and IMBA worked together to develop an urban bike park which included trails that are suitable for adapted mountain biking.