Within the framework of the EUtriWEEK project (co-funded by the European Union), two complementary deliverables — D2.2 “Manual on Standard Operating Procedures for Open Days” and D2.3 “Guidelines for Youth Engagement in the Sport of Triathlon” — were developed to support local clubs, coaches, and federations in promoting inclusive participation of young people aged 14–16 in triathlon across Europe.
D2.2 Manual on Standard Operating Procedures for Open Days in Triathlon (ENG - ITA - FRA -SPA)
The Open Days Manual provides a standardized framework for organizing triathlon promotional events aimed at introducing youth to the sport in an engaging and inclusive way.
It offers:
- Practical guidance on logistics, planning, registration, and reporting for each participating club.
- Detailed sport activity modules (Swim, Bike, Run, and Transition Area) with ready-to-use 1-hour training sessions adaptable to different settings, including gym-based and outdoor options.
- Educational and playful proposals that merge learning with enjoyment to stimulate motivation, confidence, and teamwork among participants.
- Communication guidelines to maximize event visibility and social media engagement, ensuring consistency and impact across participating clubs.
The Open Days represent a key outreach tool to recruit new young athletes and promote gender equality and intercultural inclusion through sport.
D2.3 Guidelines for Youth Engagement in the Sport of Triathlon (ENG - ITA - FRA -SPA)
The Guidelines for Youth Engagement provide a conceptual and pedagogical framework for coaches and sports clubs to strengthen youth participation, inclusion, and personal development through triathlon.
They address:
- Development of transversal (life) skills such as teamwork, empathy, leadership, and resilience through sport-based learning.
- Identification of barriers to participation — economic, cultural, psychological, or gender-based — and strategies to overcome them through inclusive and equitable practices.
- The educational role of coaches, emphasizing communication, empathy, and transformational coaching to nurture athletes’ confidence and long-term engagement.
- Tailored youth training approaches, integrating physical preparation, safe strength and conditioning, and fun, age-appropriate activities.
- Youth-centric triathlon program templates, including examples of swim, bike, run, and transition exercises tested during the project’s Open Days.
Together, these deliverables form a comprehensive toolkit that combines methodological rigor with educational innovation, empowering clubs and federations to make triathlon more inclusive, engaging, and accessible to all young Europeans — especially those with fewer opportunities.
