On the 31st of January 2024, the 6 partner organizations of the SPOKI EU+ project (SportaMundi, ANCI Piemonte, Varala Institute, Universidad Europea Valencia, Cluster Sports & Technology, EPSI) gathered in Ghent for a 3-day intensive SportKompas training. The meetup also marked the kickoff of our 2-year project.

On the picture (left to right): Manuela Dutto (City of Cuneo), Ursula Haapanen (Varala Institute), Joni Harjula (Varala Institute), Gennaro Boccia (University of Turin, Unito), Rene Wijlens (Cluster Sports & Technology), Elena Ciarlo (ANCI Piemonte), Ilse van der heijde (Cluster Sports & Technology), Javier Gámez (Universidad Europea Valencia), Fernando Domínguez (Universidad Europea Valencia), Jose Pérez (Universidad Europea Valencia), Pieter Van Steenkiste (SportaMundi/Hylyght/Ghent University), Bruno D’Hulster (SportaMundi).

Training program

Wednesday

• Welcome
• Team introductions
• Project and training overview

Thursday

SportKompas Theoretical training

• Scientific background
• I LIKE module
• I DO module
• Sports Planets website

Digitalization of SportKompas

SportKompas practical training

• Digital platform SportKompas
• Test equipment
• Demonstration of protocols
• Testing each other

Pieter Van Steenkiste from SportaMundi explains how to take the SportKompas I DO physical tests.

Friday

• Hylyght Digital platform - extra features
• I AM module
• Implementation options
• Communication plan
• What's next & Round up

Social and cultural activities

For most of the team members it was their first visit to Ghent. Therefore we organized a guided tour through Ghent, learning about old traditions, ancient stories and fun facts. We hope everyone got the full Ghent experience, as it is, according to Lonely Planet, the best kept secret in Europe.

On day 2 we visited Ghent University’s Sports Science Laboratory Jacques Rogge. Different departments make use of the laboratory: biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control, sports nutrition… It’s a place where top-level sports research happens.

We have scheduled monthly online meetings to discuss the progress of the project. In this way, we will work together to implement SportKompas in Tampere, Cuneo and Valencia to guide children to their favorite sports (clubs).