TRADITIONAL SPORTS
Bulgaria – Bulgarian Wrestling (Traditional Folk Wrestling)
A centuries-old form of wrestling deeply rooted in Bulgarian rural traditions and festivals. Considered one of Bulgaria's oldest sports, it emphasises strength, technique and endurance, and has historically served as both a competitive sport and a symbol of community pride at village gatherings.
Romania – Oina
Romania's traditional national sport, similar to baseball or lapta. Two teams take turns batting and fielding, with players trying to score points by running between designated points on the field while avoiding being hit by a thrown ball. Oina reflects agility, teamwork and quick reflexes, and is still taught in Romanian schools today.
Turkey – Yağlı Güreş (Oil Wrestling)
One of Turkey's oldest and most iconic sports, in which wrestlers cover their bodies in olive oil and compete to pin their opponent. The most famous event, the Kırkpınar tournament held annually in Edirne, dates back over 650 years and is recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Cyprus – Tavli (Cypriot Backgammon)
A traditional board game rather than a physical sport, Tavli is deeply embedded in Cypriot social life. Played for centuries in cafés and family gatherings, it combines strategy and chance, and remains a beloved pastime that brings people of all ages together — making it especially relevant for social and intergenerational well-being activities.
Portugal – Jogo do Pau (Stick Game)
A traditional Portuguese martial art and game involving combat with wooden sticks, historically used both for self-defence and as a rural sport/dance-like performance. It requires balance, coordination and precise technique, and is still practised today as a way of preserving Portuguese cultural heritage.
Spain – Pelota Vasca (Basque Pelota)
A traditional ball sport originating in the Basque region, played by hitting a ball against a wall using the hand, a racket, or a wicker basket (cesta), depending on the variant. Known for its speed and physical demand, it remains one of Spain's most iconic traditional sports and has variants popular across several countries.
Youthpass
What Is Youthpass? Understanding What You'll Take Away From This Project
What Is Youthpass?
Youthpass is the official recognition tool for participants in Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps projects. It's a free certificate issued at the end of your volunteering experience that documents what you've done and, more importantly, what you've learned — even though that learning didn't happen in a classroom.
The idea behind it is simple: the skills and personal growth you gain through non-formal learning — teamwork, problem-solving, adapting to a new culture, working in a foreign language — are just as real and valuable as what's learned in school or university. Youthpass exists to give that experience formal recognition, in a document you can show to employers, universities, or anyone else.
