European Aquatics and the National Carlo Collodi Foundation, under the leadership of European Platform for Sport Innovation (EPSI), have joined forces to merge sports, education, and cultural heritage. This strategic partnership aims to foster water safety and prevent drownings while inspiring young athletes through the timeless tale of Pinocchio and his adventures, which are also aquatic adventures, in the framework of the initiative entitled “Swim Safe Europe”.
A Strategic Partnership led by EPSI
By intertwining the values of honesty, perseverance, and self-improvement – core themes in the story of Pinocchio – with the discipline and dedication required in aquatic sports, this collaboration seeks to:
- Enhance youth engagement to prevent drownings: Encourage children to participate in aquatic sports through engaging storytelling and educational programs.
- Promote cultural awareness: Integrate European cultural heritage into sports activities, enriching the experiences of young athletes.
- Foster innovation: Develop innovative training methodologies that blend storytelling with athletic development.
- Build stronger communities: Cultivate a sense of belonging and teamwork among young swimmers and their families.
European Aquatics will award prizes to deserving young athletes. In close collaboration with the National Carlo Collodi Foundation, the winning children will embark on a memorable trip to the enchanting Pinocchio Park in Collodi, in the heart of Tuscany, Italy.
“In addition to the three well-established service pillars offered by EPSI – fundraising, business creation and lobbying -, this recent initiative, showcasing groundbreaking collaborations among diverse EPSI members, exemplifies the unique value of participating in the EPSI ecosystem. It underscores the importance of result-oriented networking, a key aspect that EPSI strives to consistently provide for all its members”. says Alberto Bichi, Executive Director of EPSI.
This collaboration highlights the valuable role of the EPSI Ecosystem in fostering such innovative and impactful partnerships.