Why a small Costa Blanca town was invited to a major European summit

A delegation from Pedreguer travelled to Helsinki on to take part in a major European summit on June 17 and 18 exploring how sport can help build healthier communities while reducing environmental impact.

The Marina Alta municipality joined representatives from across Europe at the event as part of its growing involvement in international sustainability and sport initiatives. The summit focused on topics including climate-conscious sporting events, youth participation, inclusion, healthy lifestyles and the role sport can play in supporting environmental goals.

Taking Pedreguer’s ideas onto the European stage

The visit forms part of Pedreguer’s wider commitment to European projects linking physical activity with sustainability. Earlier this year, the town joined the Erasmus+ Sport initiative “Olympics of Sustainability: Winning for Health and Planet”, which brings together partners from Spain, Finland, Portugal and Slovenia. The programme aims to encourage young people to adopt healthier and more environmentally responsible lifestyles through sport.

Municipal representatives used the Helsinki summit to exchange ideas with organisations and local authorities from other countries, learning about innovative approaches to sustainable sports management and community engagement. The gathering also provided opportunities to build new partnerships for future European projects.

Sport and sustainability increasingly linked

Across Europe, sporting organisations are placing greater emphasis on sustainability, from reducing waste and carbon emissions at events to encouraging active lifestyles that support long-term public health. Major conferences and initiatives are increasingly examining how sport can contribute to climate action while remaining accessible and inclusive.

For Pedreguer, participation in the Helsinki summit represents another step in raising the town’s profile within European networks and ensuring local projects benefit from international expertise.

Looking ahead to future projects

The municipality has already demonstrated its ambition in this area through several European collaborations and training programmes linked to sustainability, environmental protection and community wellbeing. Earlier this month, council representatives attended meetings in Brussels focused on European funding opportunities and future sustainability projects.

Local officials believe international cooperation will help bring new opportunities to residents, particularly young people, while strengthening Pedreguer’s position as an active participant in European initiatives.

As discussions continue across the continent about the future of sport and sustainability, Pedreguer is ensuring its voice is part of the conversation.