The main information about youth exchange
The main information about youth exchange
Embedded Files
Summary of the youth exchange
Sports of the Ages is a unique youth exchange that brings young people from different countries together to share, learn, and experience each other’s traditional and modern sports. But it’s not just about activities – it’s about building bridges. Through this exchange, participants will explore the role of sports in cultural identity, teamwork, and inclusion, while also developing leadership and communication skills.
The last, but not least, we will have an amazing opportunity to join a part of pilgrimage in world famous Santiago de Compostela.
Say "yes" to the opportunity to step away from screens, rediscover the joy of physical play, and connect with others in a way that builds a more united world.
Say "yes" to the opportunity to step away from screens, rediscover the joy of physical play, and connect with others in a way that builds a more united world.
What we will learn
together:
What we will learn
together:
♟️ About meaning of activity in daily life nowadays and through the centuries.
♟️ To appreciate different sports cultures and understand how those can break barriers and build friendships.
♟️ To be more open and sensitive to others, their traditions, and their way of life, while learning how to respond with curiosity and solidarity.
What we will experience together:
What we will experience together:
🏹 Sharing and experiencing cultural exchange through sports, discovering new ways to connect beyond language and borders.
🏹 Moments of fun, teamwork, and exploring different traditions while getting to know each other and our beautiful countries.
🏹 A daily spiritual program (Holy Mass, testimonies, reflections, and prayer) to grow together in faith and community.
Previous Erasmus+ projects in Slovakia, Latvia
Meet the facilitators
Meet the facilitators
Elizabete Mežule
Born and raised in Latvia, but now lives, works and enjoys life in Slovakia. Back in year 2022 Elizabete came to Slovakia as a European Solidarity Corps volunteer. After the volunteering year ended, she stayed to work in VIAC – Institute for Youth Support and Development as a coordinator of ESC and Erasmus+ projects. Her heart is burning for young people to find real meaning in their lives and she believes that it can be achieved through community which is fun and based on Christian values.
Eva Cernanska
Born and raised in Slovakia. Her European involvement started in an Erasmus Youth Exchange organizational team a Leisure Time Center Zirafa in Zilina (Slovakia) in 2003. She fell in love with the Spanish culture during her European Voluntary Service in Pamplona (Spain) in 2009, where she actually still works as Erasmus and ESC project coordinator for Association Leonardino on the field of education, culture, music, theatre and relevant social initiatives (fighting the homelessness and discrimination).
Who can participate?
Young people:
Young people:
at the age from 16 to 23 from participating countries;
who are interested in the topic;
who can speak English at a conversational level.
A group leader
A group leader
Every group needs to have a group leader, who is at the age of 18+ and will be responsible for the group.
Every group needs to have a group leader, who is at the age of 18+ and will be responsible for the group.
From the group leader we expect:
active support of young people in the preparation part and within all the duration of the youth exchange;
aking responsibility in solving the problems that may occur in the group;
taking part in the common meetings according to the schedule.
By applying to this youth exchange, participants commit themselves to actively participate in the whole process, including:
By applying to this youth exchange, participants commit themselves to actively participate in the whole process, including:
reading all the information carefully;
communicating timely with the organisers;
preparing adequately for the youth exchange according to the instructions;
taking actively part in the full duration of the activities;
to participate in the evaluation process after the youth exchange;
to participate in sharing the results and outcomes of the youth exchange after the youth exchange is over.
Partners of the project
Partners of the project
Country / Organization / Contacts of organisations / Number of participants
Slovakia / VIAC – Institut pre podporu a rozvoj mladeze / esc@ozviac.sk / 15
Spain / Association Leonardino / 15
Lithuania / Kauno arkivyskupijos katechetikos centras / 15
Latvia / LELB Diakonijas centrs / diakonija@diakonija.lv / 15
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
The youth exchange will take place in two places. First four nights we will stay in Pamplona, a popular pilgrimage city in Spain. Accommodation will be at The Seminary of Pamplona (Seminario Conciliar de San Miguel), located in the heart of the city.
The center offers simple yet comfortable shared rooms for 8 to 10 people, each with its own private toilet and shower. Sheets and towels will be provided.
The last three nights we will stay in an albergue style place called St. Javier Sanctuarium (Centro de Espiritualidad Padres Jesuitas).
The albergue is an accommodation intended for many pilgrims to stay in simple environment. We will take part in a pilgrimage, as well we will stay in an albergue. The rooms are big, around 20 people per room.
Address:
Address:
Av. de la Baja Navarra, 64
31006 Pamplona, Navarra
Spain
Address:
Address:
Pl. San Francisco Javier, 4
31411 Javier, Navarra
Spain
Important information
Important information
The place and event are strictly non-alcoholic, so we kindly ask you to respect it.
Travelling
Travelling
First of all you need to arrive on 11th (Wednesday) of March by 4 PM, but depart on 17th (Tuesday) of March. And we recommend this option:
Take a flight to BILBAO (Spain)
Take a flight to BILBAO (Spain)
For Slovak participants there are good flights from and to Krakow.
There will be an organized bus from Bilbao to Pamplona.
To receive reimbursement of travel expenses (plane/bus/train) we need you to deliver us following documents:
Invoice of your flight tickets, originals of bus or train tickets (invoice received from the airline/bus company if you buy the tickets online or from the travelling agency if you buy the tickets via an agency);
Boarding pass (from both ways).
We advise you to make screenshot of your boarding pass, especially if you buy tickets through mobile app. Usually boarding pass is not available after the flight.
*Please note that that travel costs will be reimbursed only for those who:
stay for the whole period of the youth exchange (travel days are 11.03.2026 (arriving) and 17.03.2026 (departure));
who fills the final report after the youth exchange is over;
actively participate in sharing the results and outcomes of the exchange after the exchange is over.
Amount of money for travelling
Amount of money for travelling
Country / Organization / Max amount of money for travelling
Spain/ Association Leonardino / 56 €
Slovakia / VIAC – Institut pre podporu a rozvoj mladeze / 309 €
Lithuania / Kauno arkivyskupijos katechetikos centras / 395 €
Latvia / LELB Diakonijas centrs / 395 €
ORGANISATIONAL DETAILS
ORGANISATIONAL DETAILS
Food
Food
Beakfast, lunch, dinner and coffee breaks are all included. Also individual eating habits of participants will be taken into account, but don't be afraid to try Spanish traditionals.
Insurance
Insurance
It is the participant's responsibility to obtain full insurance for themselves. This includes travel insurance, medical insurance or European Health Insurance Card (yes, it actually works in case of an emergency!).
Little bit about Pamplona
Little bit about Pamplona
Pamplona is a historic city in northern Spain with roots dating back to Roman times, when it was founded as Pompaelo.
During the Middle Ages, it became an important stop on the Camino de Santiago, which shaped its religious and cultural development.
The city is surrounded by well-preserved medieval walls that can still be walked today.
Pamplona is world-famous for the San Fermín festival, held every July, especially for the Running of the Bulls.
Beyond the festival, the old town offers narrow streets, colorful buildings, and lively squares full of cafés and bars.
The Cathedral of Santa María la Real is one of the city’s most important historical landmarks.
Pamplona is also known for its strong culinary tradition, combining Navarrese and Basque influences.
Visitors can enjoy a mix of history, tradition, nature, and contemporary urban life throughout the year.
What to prepare before youth exchange?
What to prepare before youth exchange?
Cultural presentation
Cultural presentation
Please prepare presentation (together with all group) of your country, culture, habits which:
🎭is interactive (other participants must be involved);
🎭 must NOT be boring – be creative as much as possible.
Non-traditional sports game
Non-traditional sports game
🪃 In the programme of the exchange every group will have a chance to lead a non-traditional sports game from a different age. As well everyone will try them out.
🪃 Please choose any sports game you want but that you are also able to teach others (it means no too complicated, doesn't require too much of an equipment and taking too much time). For the game you will have maximum 1,5 hours.
BRING NATIONAL FOOD
BRING NATIONAL FOOD
Please bring some national food, treats or some souvenirs for all participants (all costs are on your side)!
DON'T FORGET Outdoor clothes
DON'T FORGET Outdoor clothes
The youth exchange will include outdoor activities. Please pack clothes which are also suitable for outdoor activities. And also be prepared that it is not summer in Spain. During the day it is around +12...+15 Celsius degrees.
Online meeting
Online meeting
On 3rd of March at 17.00 (Slovak time, GTM+2)
There is going to be an online meeting with all participants and group leaders before the activity takes part in Spain. There we will meet each other and also clarify what is needed to be prepared.
The deadline for submitting project applications is February 15th 2026.
CONTACTS
CONTACTS
Elizabete Mežule
esc@ozviac.sk
+421 917364946
Page updated
Report abuse