Sports - an Opportunity to Lead Healthy Lifestyle in Varena and Shchuchin Cross-border Regions

Short title: Healthy lifestyle through sport in Varena and Shchuchin

WINNER OF THE "BEST INFRASTRUCTURE OBJECT" NOMINATION OF THE PROGRAMME

PRIORITY 2: ADDRESSING COMMON CHALLENGES

Measure 2.2.: Enhancement of education, health and social sphere development

Beneficiary: Administration of Varena District Municipality (Varena, Lithuania)

Partner: Education, Sport and Tourism Department of Shchuchin District Executive Committee (Shchuchin, Belarus)

PROBLEM: In Varena and Shchuchin cross-border regions the existing sports infrastructures do not meet the contemporary needs of local communities. The improved sports infrastructure would encourage more people to choose healthy lifestyle. The modern sports fields would enable the municipalities to organize high-level competitions.

OBJECTIVES: To increase the awareness and involvement in healthy lifestyle through sport activities in the communities of Varena and Shchuchin cross-border regions.

RESULTS&OUTPUTS:

Two neighbouring municipalities of Lithuania and Belarus successfully popularised sports among their inhabitants.

The town football stadium was renovated in Varena and a sport hall was renovated in Shchuchin.

An international handball camp was organised in Varena and an international football camp was held in Shchuchin. Varеna hosted a healthy lifestyle festival and Shchuchin invited for international healthy lifestyle conference.

Schools and sports organisations of both towns established interesting and long term contacts.