OUT & IN is an Erasmus+ project promoting youth inclusion through outdoor education and sport. Led by Vedogiovane Social Cooperative (Italy) with Belgian partner ASB Loryhan, it is implemented in rural areas with the local technical partners Eurodesk Province of VCO and Pallanza Rowing Association, cooperating to engage young people, sport trainers, and youth in mapping, documenting, and testing best practices in social outdoor sport.
OUT & IN – Inclusion through Outdoor Education and Outdoor Sport
Title of the Project
OUT & IN – Inclusion through Outdoor Education and Outdoor Sport
Organisation
Eurodesk Verbania
Project link
Project dates
2024-09-01
2025-12-31
What is it about?
How is this project relevant to the specific category?
The OUT & IN project promoted inclusive youth information by using outdoor education and sport as tools for social inclusion and well-being, specifically targeting young people with disabilities, young people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds supported by the local social services (CISS), and youth living in rural and mountainous areas affected by geographic isolation in Italy and Belgium. All young participants involved came from territories with limited access to opportunities and youth services.
The initiative produced a bilingual e-book presenting 20 best practices from Piemonte and Wallonia, highlighting social sport as a driver for well-being, socialisation, and employability. The exchange of practices involved local operators and organisations, fostering cross-country comparison of inclusive approaches. Two international mobilities were implemented: the first in Verbania, Italy, in June 2025, and the second in Botassart, Belgium, in August 2025. These workshops and Think Tank mobilities engaged 16 young people from rural areas in the two countries and four youth leaders, offering hands-on experience with inclusive outdoor and sport activities and enabling participants to provide feedback to improve local social sport initiatives.
The project also delivered a communication and awareness campaign in Italy, reaching approximately 1,000 students and teachers across three schools through experiential learning activities and a video contest. Youth leaders and experts interviewed local inclusive sport organisations, fostering creativity and a deeper understanding of inclusion and diversity values. Vedogiovane Cooperative, with Eurodesk VCO as technical partner, ensured visibility and access to European youth information by supporting workshops, press conferences, multiplier events, public presentations, and the final award ceremony, where Eurodesk gadgets were distributed.
Overall, 20 social sport associations and multiple stakeholders involved in socio-educational policies across Italy and Wallonia took part in the project, strengthening local networking and information exchange.
What was the impact of the project?
The OUT & IN project had a measurable impact on young people and the local community in the VCO Province, Piedmont region, Italy. The project directly engaged 16 youth participants and four youth leaders from Italy and Belgium in inclusive outdoor sports, fostering social and emotional skills, empathy, cooperation, confidence, creativity, perseverance, and independent initiative. Experiential workshops reached around 1,000 students and teachers across four secondary schools, with support from local associations including the Association of Blind Skiers, inclusive football groups, and Paralympic sports organisations.
Through research activities and the bilingual e-book presenting 20 best practices from Piemonte and Wallonia, young people, youth leaders, and trainers explored how social sport supports well-being, socialisation, and employability. A video contest further promoted creativity and understanding of inclusive practices among students. Eurodesk VCO ensured visibility of European opportunities and Erasmus+ programmes, supporting four multiplier events, workshops, press conferences, the national communication campaign, the final students’ award ceremony, and a final public event with Eurodesk branding. Its involvement as a partner of Vedogiovane was key in informing, engaging, and motivating youth while amplifying the project’s impact across local and cross-border networks.
The project strengthened partnerships among 20 social sport associations, educators, youth workers, NGOs, and institutions. These associations, in turn, involve dozens of members, athletes, volunteers, and families each, significantly extending the project’s indirect impact within the local community. The relationships and trust built during the project are expected to continue beyond its duration, supporting long-term collaboration and inclusive practices. Final events and round tables enabled stakeholders to share results, discuss funding opportunities, and plan future actions. By combining direct participation, dissemination, and network-building, the OUT & IN project fostered lasting social cohesion, active citizenship, and sustainable inclusive youth development in the VCO area and beyond.
Did the project have any green focus?
The OUT & IN project with outdoor sports integrated environmental awareness into its activities by focusing on outdoor settings and responsible engagement with natural spaces. Participants engaged in activities that encouraged respect for the environment and sustainable behaviours, such as low-impact outdoor practice and awareness of natural ecosystems. Communication materials and dissemination outputs were prioritised in digital formats to reduce paper use and promote sustainable information sharing. The project highlighted the value of connecting sport with environmental stewardship, supporting the development of green skills among participants. The emphasis on outdoor education helped reinforce participants’ appreciation for nature and sustainable lifestyles, aligning with Erasmus+ priorities on environment and inclusion.
How did you ensure Eurodesk's visibility in your project?
Eurodesk VCO was an official partner throughout the OUT&IN project, with its logo featured on all materials, online channels, and public events. Eurodesk staff actively participated in workshops, four press conferences, four multiplier events, a video contest, and the final award ceremony, distributing Eurodesk gadgets. The project involved 20 social sport associations, four schools, and around 1,000 students and teachers from Italy. Eurodesk VCO also supported the communication campaign on social sport and reached over 100 stakeholders through the Eurodesk Italy network, ensuring wide visibility at local, national, and international levels.
