WAVES 4 ACTIVE EUROPE 2026

ongoing

WAVES 4 ACTIVE EUROPE 2026 is an innovative initiative, designed to combat youth inactivity and promote Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) through sports, digital engagement and sustainability-driven interventions. The project, led by the Bulgarian Handball Federation, aligns with key European policies such as the HealthyLifestyle4All initiative, the Council Recommendation on HEPA and the EU Work Plan for Sport 2024-2027. At the heart of the initiative is the MoveMakers program, training 60 young leaders to become changemakers in sports event organization, sustainability, and digital engagement. The project will directly engage 288 young athletes from 10 European countries in an international beach handball tournament, fostering competition, inclusion and personal growth. Beyond the tournament, the Final Energy Wave Challenge will mobilize 2 000 inactive youth across Europe in a hybrid digital and physical activation to promote movement and engagement. A Viber chatbot will provide real-time updates, interactive challenges, and digital motivation, ensuring continuous participation and community building. Sustainability is a fundamental pillar of WAVES 2026. The project will carry out 30 eco-missions, establishing it as one of the first youth sports events in Europe to embrace a zero-waste approach, integrating plastic-free initiatives and sustainable event management practices. The initiative will also contribute to the Blueprint for Sustainability in Sports, providing a replicable model for eco-friendly sporting events. With a multi-sport approach, the event will feature beach handball alongside other disciplines such as football, volleyball, rugby, tennis, karate, wrestling and yoga, ensuring diverse participation opportunities. The project’s impact extends beyond competition - by blending structured and informal sports activities, it fosters long-term engagement in HEPA and positions itself as a replicable model for youth participation.