French Sports Heritage and Intercultural Learning Highlighted on the Third Day of the A Cultural Case: Sports Project

The third day of the “A Cultural Case: Sports” Erasmus+ Mobility of Youth Workers project (Reference Number: 2025-1-AT01-KA153-YOU-000299955), in which Kratos Sports Society participates as a partner organization, focused on exploring the relationship between French culture and traditional sports. Hosted in Klagenfurt, Austria, the project continues to bring together youth workers from Austria, Türkiye, France, Spain, and Hungary with the aim of strengthening intercultural dialogue through sport. The day began with the project’s daily Zumba session, enabling participants to start the morning actively while promoting healthy lifestyles, social interaction, and the positive impact of regular physical activity on both physical and mental well-being.

In parallel with the project’s sustainability objectives, participants continued the Environmental Awareness Study coordinated by the French team. Working in groups, they collected recyclable materials around the accommodation venue to be used in the creation of environmentally friendly objects that will be presented on the final day of the project. This hands-on activity not only contributed to environmental cleanliness but also encouraged participants to develop practical awareness of recycling, waste management, and sustainable living. Through active participation, the groups continued preparing their creative projects while reinforcing the importance of environmental responsibility within youth work activities.

The educational focus of the day centered on French culture and its connection with sport. Through a symposium and presentation session organized by the French team, participants learned about the social and cultural significance of traditional French sports and explored how sporting practices reflect national identity and cultural values. Following this introduction, participants were introduced to Jeu de Paume, a historic French sport that later evolved into modern tennis. After learning the rules and historical background of the game, participants practiced both traditional versions of Jeu de Paume, gaining first-hand experience of a sport that once played an important role in French society. The activity combined theoretical learning with practical application, allowing participants to better understand how sports can preserve and transmit cultural heritage across generations.

The programme continued with another iconic French sport, Petanque, one of the most popular social games in France and across Europe. Participants learned the rules of the game, formed international teams, and competed in friendly matches while developing cooperation, communication, and strategic thinking skills. After the practical session, participants engaged in structured discussions reflecting on whether Petanque represents French cultural values and lifestyle. Through group work, dialogue, and intercultural exchange, the activity demonstrated how traditional sports can foster social interaction and create opportunities for meaningful learning experiences beyond physical activity alone.

The day concluded with a vibrant Culture Festival, where participants presented traditional foods, dances, music, and cultural elements from their respective countries. The festival provided an open space for intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and the celebration of diversity, allowing participants to learn directly from one another’s traditions and experiences. At the end of the programme, the daily “Emoji Dartboard” evaluation session gave participants the opportunity to share feedback and reflect on the day’s activities. Combining traditional French sports, environmental awareness, cultural exchange, and non-formal learning methods, the third day successfully strengthened the project's mission of using sport as a bridge between cultures and as a tool for international cooperation and youth development.