General & Specific Objectives

Our project goals and what we aim to achieve through Sport & STEM.

The Sports & STEM Fest aims to address a growing European challenge: declining science/mathematics performance and reduced participation in physical activity among adolescents aged 13–17. The festival will promote health-enhancing physical activity, STEM learning, and a sustainable lifestyle, while strengthening social inclusion, particularly for girls and youth from low socio-economic backgrounds.

By combining sports with science, technology, engineering, and maths, the project highlights how each sport inherently involves STEM — such as cycling as an engineering innovation or friction principles in curling — and encourages adolescents to improve both their physical activity habits and STEM awareness at the same time.

The project aligns with the objectives of the European Week of Sport, encourages health-enhancing physical activity, and seeks to increase STEM engagement through sports. It also contributes to inclusion, sustainability, and digitalisation priorities within the Erasmus+ Sport framework.

Specific Objectives

The project is built on sound needs analyses related to:

  • increasing levels of inactivity and obesity
  • low academic performance in STEM fields
  • limited participation opportunities for disadvantaged youth and girls

Based on these, the project has four key measurable objectives:

1. Organise the First European Sports & STEM Festival

To be implemented simultaneously in four programme countries during the European Week of Sport to foster active participation and cross-border cooperation.

Indicator: At least 200 participants per country and a diverse set of Sport & STEM stands.

2. Promote Participation in Physical Activity & STEM Engagement

Increase awareness that participating in sports supports science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning.

Indicator: Surveys before/after activities and engagement in workshops and a final conference.

3. Develop a Practical European Guideline

A comprehensive resource for trainers, teachers, parents, and policymakers showing how sports and STEM can support each other.

Indicator: Guideline publication, access metrics, and conference feedback.

4. Foster Inclusion of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Youth (Especially Girls)

Ensure equal access to opportunities in both sports and STEM learning.

Indicator: Minimum 60% girls and 60% disadvantaged youth participation (±5%).

Our Expected Impact

  • Inspire new Sport & STEM events in Europe
  • Provide evidence-based arguments for parents and stakeholders
  • Establish a sustainable model for integrating STEM into sports environments