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Play Out!

2024-1-LV02-KA152-YOU-0002178972024Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: LV|ES|BG|EL|DE · Grant: €32,146
Promoting LGBT+ equalityPhysical and mental health, well-beingInclusion of marginalised young people

Objectives

The objective of the “Play Out!” youth exchange is to enhance the overall well-being of queer youth by creating supportive and inclusive spaces for sports and physical activity. As young adults transition from formal education to the workforce, the project acknowledges the challenges of prioritizing physical exercise, particularly for the queer community. Factors such as safety concerns, exclusion in mainstream sports, and the impact of the COVID-19 crisis have contributed to limited opportunities for queer individuals to engage in sports. “Play Out!” aims to establish a safer and more empowering space where 30 young people, both queer and allies, can participate in movement, sports, and games, fostering their mental and physical well-being. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by the queer youth demographic, the project seeks to minimize safety and consistency concerns while empowering participants to contribute positively to their local communities. The goal is to nurture a sense of community and resilience among participants. The project aims to raise awareness about queer identities, issues, and rights, fostering inclusivity and understanding within the participating countries. Empowerment of queer youth and allies remains a key objective, focusing on developing leadership skills, self-confidence, and a sense of initiative among participants. The project also aims to foster intercultural exchange among participants from Bulgaria, Greece, Germany, Spain, and Latvia, exploring and appreciating the cultural diversity within the queer community. Non-formal learning methods will be employed to enhance participants' teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, while also developing digital and artistic competencies, contributing to the overall well-being of participants. Incorporating sport activities, games, and team-building exercises is aimed at promoting physical and mental well-being, as well as fostering camaraderie among participants. Participants will share the history of queer rights and sports in each participating country, actively sharing and celebrating their own queer stories. The project provides a platform for participants to actively demonstrate their knowledge and abilities through creative games, sports, presentations, and facilitations. Facilitating discussions, presentations, and workshops/games aims to enhance empathy, communication, and understanding among participants, creating a braver space for open conversations about personal perspectives and social issues. A follow-up phase will be established where national teams share outputs and results, collecting feedback for continuous improvement and assessing the long-term impact and sustainability of the project. Various virtual components are utilized throughout the project, fostering ongoing communication and cooperation among participants, both during and after the Youth Exchange. The project supports participants in their educational journey by providing opportunities for self-reflection, learning style exploration, and self-expression, enhancing awareness of their own identities and fostering personal growth. Extensive promotion and dissemination efforts, both online and offline, will showcase all created results and participants' experiences through various mediums such as videos, articles, photos, and others. The tangible outcomes will be reflected in the distribution of 30 Youth Passes, 30 certificates, and 30 evaluation questionnaires, providing a comprehensive assessment of individual learning outcomes and gained competencies. The project emphasizes the importance of promoting active lifestyles and providing support for queer individuals to engage in physical exercise safely. Through "Play Out!", the aim is to contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of queer youth by encouraging a gradual and achievable approach to physical activity, fostering a sense of community, and addressing various challenges that impact their ability to stay active.

Project partners (5)