“This project has potential for the entire EU”

With its unique exercise project “UGOTCHI – Points with Class”, SPORTUNION was able to overcome strong competition from all over Europe and is now one of the most notable initiatives to promote exercise for children and young people at European level. “In the 19 seasons of “UGOTICH – Points with Class” so far, we have reached an incredible number of 851,934 children and have been able to motivate them to be physically active and healthy,” emphasizes Michaela Huber, Vice President of SPORTUNION.

Children and teachers are enthusiastic
The importance of the project is also clearly visible locally in Austrian schools. “My class took part in UGOTCHI for the first time last school year, and both the children and I were enthusiastic,” says Michaela Saurugger, teacher at Vienna’s Braunhubergasse Primary School – GEPS. “It’s heartwarming to see how UGOTCHI has been brought into families – be it through small gestures of mindfulness or through healthier snacks. The idea of ​​integrating movement units into lessons is not only important for learning, but also ensures lasting enthusiasm among the children.”

Reached and moved 852,000 children
With UGOTCHI, SPORTUNION shows how encouraging physical activity can be anchored in daily school life and how children’s health development can be strengthened. “Since UGOTCHI started in 2007, we have been able to move almost 852,000 children in Austria – proof that continuity and strong partnerships are the key to success,” says Huber. “UGOTCHI has become an integral part of many Austrian primary schools today. With more than 1,200 family activities during the weekend, we also promote exercise in our free time, because a healthy lifestyle starts in the family. Digital formats such as our exercise videos with more than 25,000 views also make a valuable contribution to embedding exercise in everyday life. The success shows that UGOTCHI can be seen as a role model for innovative movement promotion throughout Europe. Our thanks go to all supporters and partners – we will use the prize money to further expand the initiative so that even more children in Austria and Europe can lead an active lifestyle.”

The successful award is recognition of the hard work that project manager Sebastian Widner has done. “What is being successfully implemented in a third of Austrian primary schools has the potential to be an exemplary physical activity initiative for the entire EU,” says Huber proudly.