From the first session at the Peace and Friendship Stadium on 11 January 2026 to the training activities held throughout spring and summer, Olympiacos S.F.P. delivered an extensive programme of activities under the European STRIVE project.

The journey began with an introduction to the sport and its equipment, continued with an emphasis on ball control and cooperation, and gradually highlighted the importance of communication and participation in team play. In activities involving children with different levels of experience, revisiting basic techniques is an integral part of an open and inclusive approach.

STRIVE uses Teqvoly, a volleyball-inspired activity played on a specially curved table, as a means of promoting equal opportunities, girls’ participation, accessibility and cooperation. Its aim is not only to develop sporting skills, but also to create an environment in which children learn to respect, support and trust one another.

The next important milestone is the final tournament of the STRIVE project, scheduled to take place in Athens on 21 October 2026, which will provide an opportunity to showcase the project’s values through a shared sporting experience. The Greek activities form part of the collaboration between Olympiacos S.F.P. and S.S. Lazio Teqball ASD of Italy.

STRIVE (Schools & Teqvolley for Respect, Inclusion, Vitality & Equality) is a European Erasmus+ Sport initiative implemented by S.S. Lazio Teqball ASD (Italy) and Olympiacos S.F.P. (Greece). Primarily targeting children aged 10–13, it seeks to improve equal access to sport, particularly for girls, children with disabilities and children from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The STRIVE project is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Sport programme, with the aim of promoting social inclusion, equal opportunities and children’s active participation in sport.

STRIVE’s training journey continued into July, with a recorded session on 3 July. After months of sporting activities, attention is now turning to bringing together familiarity with the ball, fundamental techniques and teamwork in a shared competitive experience.

Preparations for the upcoming Athens tournament offer an opportunity to revisit the programme’s most important principles: participation, mutual support, respect for the rules and a positive attitude towards differences. Basic techniques remain important, as the project’s participatory nature requires flexibility and adaptation to the children’s needs.

As envisaged in STRIVE’s design, the tournament aims to be a celebration of sport and inclusion. The sporting journey that began in January thus moves towards a shared goal: turning the experience of training into an occasion for cooperation and fair play.

STRIVE (Schools & Teqvolley for Respect, Inclusion, Vitality & Equality) is a European Erasmus+ Sport initiative implemented by S.S. Lazio Teqball ASD (Italy) and Olympiacos S.F.P. (Greece). Primarily targeting children aged 10–13, it seeks to improve equal access to sport, particularly for girls, children with disabilities and children from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The STRIVE project is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Sport programme, with the aim of promoting social inclusion, equal opportunities and children’s active participation in sport.

With six further training sessions on 3, 5, 10, 15, 19 and 26 June, Olympiacos S.F.P. continued implementing STRIVE. The children’s regular participation in sporting activities provides a foundation for the next step: putting what they have learned into practice through play.

Preparing for a sporting event involves more than technical skills. It also includes understanding basic rules, rotating roles, communicating with teammates and respecting opponents. Where needed, fundamental exercises are revisited to ensure that all children can participate meaningfully.

Looking ahead is the final tournament in Athens, one of the events envisaged by the European project. Its purpose is not simply to celebrate winners, but to offer children the opportunity to experience cooperation, fair play and equality through sport.

STRIVE (Schools & Teqvolley for Respect, Inclusion, Vitality & Equality) is a European Erasmus+ Sport initiative implemented by S.S. Lazio Teqball ASD (Italy) and Olympiacos S.F.P. (Greece). Primarily targeting children aged 10–13, it seeks to improve equal access to sport, particularly for girls, children with disabilities and children from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The STRIVE project is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Sport programme, with the aim of promoting social inclusion, equal opportunities and children’s active participation in sport.

Six training sessions took place in May, on 4, 8, 14, 15, 22 and 29 May, continuing STRIVE’s presence within the sporting activities of Olympiacos S.F.P.

At this stage of the journey, attention turns to linking basic movements: moving from initial contact with the ball to consecutive touches, directing play more effectively and deciding when to cooperate with a teammate. Repetition of fundamental techniques remains part of the process so that no participant is left behind.

The most meaningful achievements are not measured only by successful attempts. Taking initiative, encouraging one another and being able to participate without fear of failure are central values of the STRIVE approach.

This journey reflects the project’s wider priorities of gender equality, inclusion and healthy lifestyles, turning sporting activity into an opportunity for social learning.

The STRIVE project is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Sport programme, with the aim of promoting social inclusion, equal opportunities and children’s active participation in sport.