HOORAY Webinar Series: First Session Recap
The HOORAY project successfully launched its first webinar in a series of three on February 6, 2025. Held online via Zoom, the initial session focused on the intersection of sports and youth organisations, highlighting how physical activities can positively impact adolescent mental health. The event brought together project partners, experts, and participants from sport and youth organisations across Europe for a collaborative and informative experience.
Presentations of Research Findings
During the first half of the webinar, the project partners presented their research conducted during the first and second years of the project. These presentations provided evidence-based insights and practical frameworks for promoting mental well-being among adolescents through sports:
What Works? Evidence-Based Guidance Regarding Physical Activity and Mental Health in Adolescents
Presented by Prof. Dr. Richard Peter Bailey FRSA, this session delved into the latest research on the link between physical activity and improved mental health in adolescents. Prof. Bailey highlighted effective strategies and interventions that organizations can adopt to enhance mental well-being.
The PERMA Framework and Youth Engagement Guidelines
Jennifer Yang (TUM) and Barnabas Vagany (BAIS) introduced the PERMA Framework, which emphasizes Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment as key factors for adolescent mental health. They also shared participation guidelines for sport activities that foster these elements, ensuring a holistic approach to youth engagement.
Compendium of Practices Across Europe & Self-Review Framework
Chiara Ciacchella, PhD (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Italy), presented a comprehensive compendium of successful practices from various European countries. She also introduced a self-review framework designed to help organizations assess and improve their approaches to using sports as a tool for mental health.
External Project Presentation: ABC Project
In the second half of the webinar, Charlotte Bruus Dalsgaard, Project Manager at DGI Denmark, presented the ABC project. This initiative provided participants with a unique perspective on leveraging sports to address mental health challenges. The ABC project emphasized innovative approaches and practical applications, sparking interest and discussion among the attendees.
Interactive Discussions and Breakout Sessions
The webinar also featured group discussions and breakout rooms, allowing participants to share their experiences and insights. These interactive sessions facilitated knowledge exchange and encouraged collaboration among attendees from diverse backgrounds.
Upcoming HOORAY Webinars
The HOORAY project will continue with two more webinars in the coming months:
April 7th: A webinar tailored for policymakers, focusing on the role of policy in promoting mental health through sports.
May 22nd: A session designed for psychologists, offering specialised insights into the psychological benefits of sports for adolescents.
The HOORAY team looks forward to the continued engagement and learning from these upcoming sessions, building a strong foundation for improving adolescent mental health through sports and community initiatives.