SWAN Project Launched: Enhancing Health and Combatting Neurodegenerative Diseases through Table Tennis
Today is World Health Day! We are thrilled to announce that the health-focused SWAN project has officially launched, marking a significant step forward in promoting the well-being of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) through table tennis! Funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, the project had its kick-off meeting in January, bringing together partners from across Europe to outline the next steps for this ambitious initiative.
What is the SWAN project?
Spin for Well-being: Active lifestyles through therapeutic Table Tennis for individuals with Neurodegenerative diseases (SWAN) is a 26-month Erasmus+ Sport project dedicated to fostering healthy, active lifestyles for people with NDDs, particularly those affected by Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The name SWAN symbolises growth and renewal—just as swans molt their feathers and regenerate, the project seeks to help individuals form new neural connections through physical activity.
The overarching aim of SWAN is to establish a strong network of stakeholders interested in the therapeutic applications of table tennis for NDD care. Additionally, the project will facilitate the adoption and expansion of similar programmes in diverse settings, including care homes, sports organisations, and local communities.
The SWAN project is a collaborative effort between leading institutions and organisations dedicated to health and sport. These partners include:
- Hellenic Sports Club for Physically Disabled People (Greece)
- ITTF Foundation (Germany)
- University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
- KTG Research & Innovation Ltd (Cyprus)
- Foundation Compassion Alzheimer Bulgaria (Bulgaria)
- French Table Tennis Federation (France)
- Asociación de Familiares de Enfermos de Alzheimer de León (Spain)
The kick-off meeting on 29 January acted as a great start to the project. During the meeting, partners had the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and align on key tasks, work packages, and the overall team workflow. Discussions also covered communication protocols, setting future virtual and physical meetings during various events, and outlining the ambitious next steps for the project, laying a solid base for successful project implementation.
Stay Connected and Follow Our Journey
As the project unfolds, we will continue to share updates, insights, and resources highlighting our commitment to improving the lives of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. To stay informed, visit the official project website and our SWAN page, follow SWAN on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.