University of Gävle Hosts International Winter Event

Participants from a large number of countries came to Gävle to try cross-country skiing for the first time during the Winter Sport Event, an event within the framework of the European University EU GREEN.
The Swedish Ski Association's All on Snow activity and the local Järbo IF association also participated and provided instructors.

Winter Sport Event is a combination of winter sports, culture and group activities with a focus on diversity, accessibility and inclusion. The University of Gävle hosted the event, which took place on February 3-6.

"As co-leader of EU GREEN's work on diversity, accessibility and inclusion, our university has a special mission in this area," says Professor of Education Guadalupe Francia, who leads this work at the University of Gävle. The local working group also includes staff members Elisabet Eriksson, Ulrika Bergstrand and Mikaela Willmer.

"This is more than a sports event - it is an opportunity for students and staff from universities in Europe to meet, exchange experiences and discuss important issues such as inclusion and accessibility," says Malin Hillman, one of the people responsible for the event at the University of Gävle.

International collaboration through sport and culture

Students and staff from universities in Romania, France, Ireland, Spain, Italy and Poland came to Gävle to participate in both indoor and outdoor activities. The program included group discussions, a photo exhibition, a quiz walk, dancing and a full day spent on the ski slopes at Kungsberget. There, they got to try skiing - a first for many of them.

"It was the first time I tried skiing, and it was so much fun! I will definitely try it again, in Sweden," said Huong Giang, from Angers, France, on the ski slope.

"We want to show that winter sports can be for everyone, regardless of previous experience or conditions," said instructor Fredrik Blank, who was in charge of the skiing activities.

Sports, community and lectures

In addition to the practical activities, there were lectures, where Susanne Ripa talked about inclusion in sport and the Alla på snö organization, of which she is a part.

"This is an experience rather than a course. By combining sport and culture, we create a platform where participants can learn from each other and gain new perspectives," says Malin Hillman, contact person for the event.

The Winter Sport Event is part of the European University Network EU GREEN's work on sustainability, inclusion and cooperation between higher education institutions.