Colazza, Italy – A new project aimed at increasing sports participation among young adults aged 15-34 was presented Saturday, March 14th, at the Green Village in Colazza. The “Res_Giovani 15-34” initiative, backed by the Piedmont Region and spearheaded by the Comune of Invorio, will distribute significant funding to local social, sporting, and environmental organizations to develop targeted programs.
Boosting Youth Engagement Through Sport
The project addresses a recognized decline in participation across various activities, particularly within the 15-34 age demographic. The Comune of Invorio successfully secured substantial economic support to distribute to organizations dedicated to reversing this trend. A key component of the initiative focuses on providing opportunities and encouraging engagement in sports, recognizing its importance for both physical and mental well-being.
GIOKO ASD is among the sporting organizations participating in the project, unveiling a series of initiatives in Colazza. These include free courses in Badminton and Nordic Walking, led by qualified instructors and coaches. GIOKO ASD plans to promote the Olympic discipline of badminton within high schools in Arona, introducing the sport to a new generation of potential athletes. This focus on accessibility and instruction aims to lower barriers to entry and foster a lasting interest in physical activity.
Regional Support and Local Collaboration
The “Res_Giovani 15-34” project benefits from the patronage of the Piedmont Region, demonstrating a commitment to youth development at the regional level. The initiative is part of a broader effort, “Piemonte per i giovani,” a three-year program designed to include at least 90 initiatives and engage approximately 1,800 young people between the ages of 15 and 34 in social inclusion programs. This larger program, announced on May 13, 2025, allocates a total of 4.46 million euros in funding, with contributions from state resources, previous agreements, and regional co-financing.
The regional program aims to support young people’s integration into the workforce and society, encourage active participation in political life, promote healthy lifestyles, incentivize sports participation, and raise awareness about environmental issues. Local municipalities can collaborate with other local entities, aggregation centers, associations, schools, and third-sector organizations to implement these activities.
Positive Outlook and Community Support
Alberto Rollini, the sports assessor for the Comune of Invorio, expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact. “We expect positive and encouraging results from this project,” Rollini stated, with support from the mayors of the Vergante area and representatives from the Piedmont Region. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of local partnerships in achieving regional goals.
The initiative’s focus on providing free courses and introducing badminton to high school students is a practical step towards increasing accessibility and fostering a love for sports among young people. The project’s success will likely be measured by increased participation rates and the long-term health and well-being of the region’s youth. For those unfamiliar with Nordic Walking, it’s a full-body exercise utilizing specially designed poles to enhance the benefits of walking, making it an accessible option for individuals of varying fitness levels.
The “Res_Giovani 15-34” project represents a targeted investment in the future of Piedmont’s young people, recognizing the crucial role they play in the region’s economic growth, innovation, and overall progress. The initiative’s emphasis on social inclusion, healthy lifestyles, and environmental awareness positions it as a comprehensive approach to youth development.
The next step for the project involves the implementation of the planned courses and the introduction of badminton into the Arona high school curriculum. Further updates on the project’s progress and impact will be released by the Comune of Invorio and the Piedmont Region.
What are your thoughts on initiatives like this? Share your comments below and let us know how you think sports programs can best engage young adults.
