Meetings
The Run and Recycle project held its final transnational meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria – but while the meeting marks the end of our formal collaboration under Erasmus+, the project’s mission is far from finished. On the contrary, this inspiring gathering only confirmed that our shared commitment to sustainability in sports is just getting started.
The meeting took place at one of Darko Athletics Team’s main training bases – the private St. George School – a location known for its modern and innovative sports infrastructure. Our partners from Croatia and Finland were welcomed with a guided tour of the school’s excellent facilities, where young athletes train every day in an environment that combines education, health, and sustainability.
One of the most symbolic moments of the meeting was an improvised relay, where team members passed a baton in a circle. This simple but powerful gesture captured the energy and unity of our partnership. It was a celebration of what we’ve built together and a strong visual message that the journey continues beyond the project.
During the meeting, we reflected on the key achievements and impact of the project over the past two years, including the international meetings, local events, and awareness campaigns across three countries. We reviewed and approved the final version of the Handbook for Greener Sport – a practical guide that will serve sports organizations, clubs, and educators in making their activities more environmentally friendly. The discussion then turned to future collaborations and opportunities to extend the project’s vision beyond Erasmus+, with a strong focus on outreach, training, and impact at the grassroots level. We also explored ways to expand the project’s sustainability and legacy, including maintaining the network of green sports organizations and using the materials and tools developed so far to inspire further change.
Although this was the last official transnational meeting, the Run and Recycle project still has more in store. Upcoming local events, educational activities, and dissemination efforts will continue to spread the message that sport can and should be a force for environmental change.
We are extremely proud of how far we’ve come. Over the course of the project, we have engaged thousands of participants in eco-friendly running events and textile collection actions, developed an e-learning platform, a green sports handbook, and practical training materials, and created a strong and motivated international partnership ready to take the next steps together.
A special thank you goes to our dedicated partners Vere Montis (Croatia) and the Finnish Athletics Federation, whose creativity, hard work, and team spirit have helped turn this vision into reality.
Together, we’re not just finishing a project – we’re starting a movement.
Stay tuned. The green run continues!
The third transnational meeting of the Run and Recycle Erasmus+ project took place in December 2024 in Rijeka, Croatia, hosted by our dedicated partners from Vere Montis. The meeting brought together representatives from Bulgaria, Finland, and Croatia to reflect on the progress of the project, plan upcoming activities, and deepen their shared commitment to greener sports and communities.
The meeting began with an inspiring visit to a local eco-kindergarten, where the youngest members of the community showed just how powerful early education can be. Through creative activities, the children gave a second life to unusable clothes by turning them into artwork, while others participated in playful games that involved sorting recyclables into the correct bins. The combination of movement, play, and environmental learning was a perfect example of how sustainability can be introduced in a fun and engaging way from a young age.
Following the visit, partners gathered to discuss the outcomes of national events, review progress, and finalize the structure of the project’s Handbook for Greener Sport. The discussion also looked ahead to future steps, with a shared desire to extend the project’s impact beyond Erasmus+ and into more communities and sports organizations across Europe.
On the second day, the group joined a large community trail running event, with over 300 participants. The race not only promoted physical activity but also raised awareness about textile waste. Runners were invited to bring their used sports clothing and shoes for recycling, and the event became a real-life example of how sports can be a platform for environmental change. Conversations on fast fashion, responsible consumption, and small sustainable choices added an extra layer of meaning to the athletic experience.
The third meeting in Rijeka was filled with energy, creativity, and collaboration. It showed how the Run and Recycle project connects generations, communities, and countries in a common mission: to build a greener future through sport. A heartfelt thank you goes to Vere Montis for hosting, and to all partners for their ongoing dedication.
The journey continues—and we are more motivated than ever to keep running with purpose.
On November 14th, the partners of the Erasmus+ co-funded Run and Recycle project convened online for a dynamic virtual meeting. This gathering provided an opportunity to review the project’s progress, share innovative ideas, and strategize for the exciting months ahead. The meeting was marked by a shared commitment to promoting sustainability in sports and engaging communities in eco-friendly practices.
Key Highlights
Reflecting on Achievements and Goals
The meeting kicked off with an overview of the project’s accomplishments thus far. Partners discussed key milestones, pinpointed areas for improvement, and outlined action plans to maximize impact as the project enters its final phase.
Finnish Athletics Federation (Yleisurheilu)
Finland’s contribution stood out with their plans to promote sustainability at an
upcoming kids’ track competition. This creative initiative will introduce young athletes to eco-conscious practices, blending sportsmanship with environmental responsibility.
Vere Montis, Croatia
The Croatian partner shared exciting news about the December meeting in Rijeka. Highlights include a trail running event that emphasizes eco-awareness and a special visit to a local kindergarten. There, children will participate in interactive activities focused on recycling and sustainability, fostering green habits from a young age.
Darko Athletics Team, Bulgaria
As the project coordinator, Darko Athletics offered a detailed update on the project’s progress. The team highlighted significant achievements and proposed strategies to maintain momentum and ensure the project continues to deliver meaningful results.
Looking Ahead
With fresh perspectives and strengthened collaboration, the partners left the meeting energized and ready to amplify the project’s message: sustainable practices can be seamlessly integrated into sports.
Stay tuned for more updates on how we’re making an impact!
In early September, between 6 and 9th, the Run and Recycle project, co-
funded by the EU, held its second international meeting in Helsinki.
Coordinated by Darko Athletics Team from Bulgaria, with key partners like the Finnish Athletics Federation and Vere Montis from Croatia, the consortium celebrated significant progress and addressed pressing challenges in promoting sustainable sports practices.
The meeting was particularly fruitful for fostering collaboration and idea exchange. Partners discussed the difficulties faced in organizing eco-friendly sports events. For example, the Finnish Athletics Federation highlighted the ongoing challenge of collecting and recycling disposable cups used during marathons and running events. As a proactive solution, they have implemented a pre-order system for event T-shirts, allowing participants to order their specific size only if they want one. This reduces the excess production of unused shirts and aligns with the project’s mission to minimize waste.
An inspiring lecture by Timo Huhtamäki, EU Climate Ambassador,
emphasized the role of the circular economy in sports, setting the tone for
actionable steps toward sustainability. Attendees also toured Helsinki’s historic Olympic Stadium and experienced the vibrant “National Relays” competition.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to host events where you can contribute to sustainability by donating old clothes for recycling or renovation. A big thank- you to the Finnish Athletics Federation for their warm hospitality and to everyone involved in making this project a success. Together, we’re redefining the future of sports with sustainability at its heart!
The inaugural online meeting of the “Run and Recycle” project brought together all partners via Zoom. Led by Darko Athletics Team, alongside Vere Montis and the Finnish Athletics Federation, discussions centered on project progress and task assignments. Key topics included plans for the upcoming in-person meeting in Finland, aimed at advancing sustainability efforts within the athletic community. This virtual gathering signifies a pivotal moment in fostering collaboration and driving positive change toward textile waste reduction. Stay tuned for further updates on the initiative’s journey.
The inaugural meeting of the Run and Recycle project in Sofia, Bulgaria, spearheaded by Darko Athletics Team, recently addressed the environmental impact of fast fashion. Led by partners Vere Montis and the Finnish Athletics Federation (Yleisurheilu), this initiative aims to combat textile waste by promoting recycling and sustainability.
During the meeting, journalist Ivaylo Vezenkov from bTV highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding fast fashion, emphasizing its detrimental effects on the environment. With global textile production nearly doubling between 2000 and 2015, urgent action is needed to curb its impact.
Funded by the Erasmus+ sport program of the European Commission, Run and Recycle seeks to increase textile recycling and breathe new life into old clothes and shoes. Through collective action and community engagement, the project aims to create a more sustainable future for all.