The ECOathletes project launched today is a great example of efforts taken by the Ministry to make the ecological education, including in the area of climate protection, connecting knowledge sharing with the specific areas of life in an interdisciplinary manner. In this project, knowledge sharing is accompanied with practical solutions that can be easily implemented in our everyday life.

– emphasized the Minister of Climate and Environment Michał Kurtyka.

By combining development of physical activity in everyday life with the option to increase ecological awareness of the project participants, we shape and strengthen the pro-environmental attitudes and social competences

– added the Head of the Ministry of Climate and Environment.

Within the ECOathletes project, the children and their parents will participate in the cycle of sports events at the area of 23 National Parks provided by the trainers associated in the Polish Athletic Association. The events will include also an educational component provided by the National Parks’ personnel. The aim of these events will be increasing ecological awareness of the participants, including about the impact of climate change on the native natural ecosystems and about the role of individual measures for climate protection.

The project kick-off held today at the area of the Educational and Museum Centre of the Kampinoski National Park in Granica was accompanied by a joint workout attended by Minister Michał Kurtyka and special guests – Dawid Tomala, Olympic Champion in the 50-kilometre race walking (Tokyo 2020) and Pia Skrzyszowska, semi-finalist in 100 m hurdling in Tokyo Olympic Games. The participants of the event familiarised also with the history, characteristics and attractions of the Kampinoski National Park.

The ECOathletes project addresses the concept of developing the links of the young generation with native environment and exploring the ecosystem processes. This in turn supports increasing ecological awareness, including understanding of the importance of actions for climate protection. I would like to thank the National Parks’ personnel and the Polish Athletic Association for their cooperation in delivery of this project

– said the Minister of Climate and Environment.

The project will be implemented between 1 September and 31 October 2021. Details and dates will be available in social media of the National Parks. Feel invited to join the project!