Urban Sports Cities

MONDAY JUNE 2

"Word of Welcome"
Arno Hermans (initiator @ ESWAM / co-founder @ Sports+Vitality)

"How future cities embrace urban culture"
Peter van der Aalst (management team member & professional doctorate candidate @ Breda University of Applied Sciences)
Cities invest in street culture and sports in the hope of generating a host of benefits. But how can the potential these communities of young creative talents can have for a city be harnessed in a way that generates value for both the communities and the city? To find out what value street culture & sports brings to practitioners, intermediary organisations and policymakers, and how best to work together to facilitate these communities with their activities and keep them connected to the city, qualitative and quantitative research will be conducted. The theoretical principles, approach and initial results of the research will be discussed.

"Transforming cities through roller sports"
Olivier Pascal (Events Development Director @ World Skate)
From Nanjing, China, to Rome, Italy, World Skate stages every year international events in global destinations. Discover what has changed in these cities and take a glimpse on how cities can use Urban Sports events to generate such transformations and legacies on their territories.

"The Bordeaux Skate Urbanism Saga"
Leo Valls (independent skateboarder @ Leo Valls) & Lucas Lopes (manager culture & public space @ City of Bordeaux)
Since 2017, the city of Bordeaux has been developing a unique approach to integrate skateboarding in the urban development of the city. This takes the shape of mediation programs, cultural events and subtle integration of urban sports in public spaces, with the idea that it can benefit skaters as much as the city and its inhabitants.
Last year, Bordeaux launched CONNECT, the first international festival on Skaturbanism, with skateable sculptures installed in the heart of the city. Learn about the history and the method of the Bordeaux skaturbanism concept with two of its main actors, Leo Valls, pro skater and skateboarding integration consultant for cities and architects, and Lucas Lopes, culture coordinator in charge of public spaces at the Bordeaux city council.

"Leuven Urban Sports project"
Filip Vandemaele (project expert urban sports @ City of Leuven)
The city of Leuven invests in urban sports with help from Europe. A bottom-up strategy which engages youngsters to create a vibrant / playful city.

End of Day 1

TUESDAY JUNE 3

Reflection

"Why urban gyms matter to the Fins"
Oleg Jauhonen (project coordinator @ City of Helsinki)
The Local Sports Facility Program 2022–2032 is an ambitious initiative focussing on creating a free, accessible and diverse network of outdoor exercise areas across the city. From fitness stairs to multi-sport courts, the program aims to support everyday physical activity, promote community well-being and reduce inequality. By investing in local facilities and involving citizens in planning, Helsinki is setting a strong example of how urban infrastructure can foster inclusive and active lifestyles for all.

"Skate urbanism at the time of municipal crisis - UK case studies"
Chris Lawton (community development manager @ Skateboard GB)
How do skateboarding communities in cities like Birmingham, Nottingham and Southampton respond to municipal crises with resilience, creativity and collaboration? Their efforts not only secure new urban spaces for skateboarding but also contribute to broader civic recovery, community empowerment and the Sustainable Development Goals. This highlights the growing importance of skate urbanism in shaping more inclusive and adaptable cities.

"What's an urban wellness?"
Noor Osse (research student @ Breda University of Applied Sciences)
Join Noor for a deep dive into the evolving concept of urban wellness in urban blue spaces! Discover how cities can integrate water-based wellness projects inspired by the Nordics to promote sustainability, public health and social cohesion. Noor will delve into key trends, real-world case studies and strategies that can transform urban waterfronts into accessible wellness hubs. This session offers insights for cities seeking to harness the healing power of blue environments for holistic urban development.

"The city as a playground for urban sports"
Gustav Svanborg Edén (Project Manager @ City of Malmö)
Over the past three decades Malmö has evolved as a leading skateboarding destination, much thanks to the close collaboration between the municipality and skateboarding association Bryggeriet. As a project manager for the Streets Parks and Property Dpt, Gustav Svanborg Edén will speak on how inviting skateboarding culture can act as a driver of value for cities and broaden the use of public space.

LUNCHBREAK

"Facilitating street sports in city environments"
Mikkel Selmar (leader sport development @ City of Copenhagen)
Copenhagen has a long tradition of supporting streets sports initiatives and facilities, and Mikkel Selmar will introduce us to the current street sports landscape and priorities from a municipal perspective. Among other things, how the city will activate a variety of street sports communities in the activation and legacy of the FIBA 3X3 Europe Cup 2025 in Copenhagen.

"Athletic Park; connecting sports and recreation"
Silviu Botez (projectmanager @ Bacau County Council)

"Integrating urban sports into the city"
Johan van Herpen (policy advisor @ City of Rotterdam)
Rotterdam’s Urban Sports Agenda 2024–2027 integrates unstructured sports into policy through 32 inclusive initiatives. By collaborating directly with urban athletes via workshops, surveys, and social media, the city creates responsive policies and public spaces. This innovative, participatory model could also inspire engagement strategies for other hard-to-reach communities.

"Table Talks; sharing knowledge and insights"
a wrap up by Arno Hermans along the delegates

End of Day 2