Date: Sunday, 5/25/2025
Time: 11:30 – 12:30
Venue: Amphitheatre “G. Papadriellis”
The chapter of sport tourism and recreation in the Region of East Macedonia – Thrace. Designing of sport events for sustainable development
Designing Sports Events for Sustainable Development. Collaboration between the School of Physical Education & Sport Science of Democritus University of Thrace and the Regional Association of Municipalities (PED) of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
Within their legal responsibilities, municipalities develop social-oriented activities aimed at improving the quality of life of their citizens. Culture, education, and sports (as defined in the Code of Municipalities and Communities – Law 3463/2006, Article 75) are key pillars in this direction. Municipalities design policies and implement initiatives related to the organization and management of local cultural, educational, and athletic matters, while also supporting national and international events.
Educational and sports-related activities must be integrated into a unified philosophy and vision, with the aim of promoting social cohesion, tourism visibility, and local economic development. These outcomes are the natural result of this new approach and vision.
Through their initiatives, innovative programs, events, and actions—as well as infrastructure development such as the creation of multifunctional recreational corridors accessible to all—municipalities offer green spaces for rest, sports, and play. They also harness high-quality audiovisual technology, and develop digital tools and services that highlight and promote their cultural heritage, natural wealth, and tourism potential.
All programs, infrastructure, and actions should be guided by respect for the environment, embrace sustainable planning based on bioclimatic principles, be inclusive of all social groups, respect diversity, and encourage civic engagement and volunteerism. Citizens must become active participants in progress and change, ensuring the optimal upgrade of both the natural and built environment of each local community.
Through such policies, local government can fulfill its mission and social role, improve residents’ quality of life, and contribute creatively to a development model centered around people and their evolving needs.
