HOORAY Seminar Series: Second Session Recap
Empowering Youth Mental Health through Sports A Policy Perspective
The HOORAY project successfully implemented its second seminar in a series of three on April 7th. Held online via Zoom, the initial session focused on the intersection of policy makers, highlighting how physical activities can positively impact adolescent mental health. The event brought together project partners, experts, and policy makers across Europe for a collaborative and informative experience. The policy makers were invited also to share and to discuss solutions and ideas on where the project outcomes can be shared and disseminated to have an even bigger impact.
Presentations of Research Findings
The webinar started with a youth perspective where Chloe Jordan as a young athlete presented on the topic of Active Youth for Mental Health. She talked about her professional experience and shared some recommendations from her side on how policy makers should make sure to make the mental health of young people a priority. Then the webinar moved on to the project partners presenting the research and the innovation behind the HOORAY project. These presentations provided evidence-based insights and practical frameworks for promoting mental well-being among adolescents through sports:
Data from research: What works? Understanding the relationships between sport, physical activity and mental health
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.
HOORAY as Innovative Solution for Youth Mental Health through Sports
Chiara Ciacchella, PhD (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Italy), presented the innovation approach that the HOORAY project had through the years of implementation.
UNLEASHING POTENTIAL – HOW HOORAY SOLUTION CAN BE USED – THE PERMA FRAMEWORK AND YOUTH ENGAGEMENT GUIDELINES
Barnabas Vagany (BAIS) introduced how HOORAY solutions can be used through the PERMA Framework, which emphasizes Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment as key factors for adolescent mental health. He also shared participation guidelines for sport activities that foster these elements, ensuring a holistic approach to youth engagement.
External Project Presentation: Policy Maker Input
In the second half of the webinar, Bence Garamvolgyi, who leads the Budapest Sports Service Provider Nonprofit Ltd. and is the founding president of the Budapest Association for International Sports (BAIS). With a PhD in sports diplomacy, Bence focuses on planning and implementation of international and local sports policies. With his background Bence talked aboutYouth Sport, child protection and mental health policies from the municipality of Budapest.
Interactive Open Discussions
The webinar also featured an open discussions part, allowing participants to share their experiences and insights. This open discussion facilitated knowledge exchange and encouraged collaboration among attendees from diverse backgrounds.
Upcoming HOORAY Webinars
The HOORAY project will continue with one more webinars in the coming months:
May 22nd: A session designed for psychologists, offering specialized 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.