From April 18 to 22, 2024, in Rome, at the Villaggio per la Terra, many children and young people participated in physical education activities. These activities are part of the GiocaFiPe project of the Italian Weightlifting Federation. All games and sports activities took place on recycled rubber flooring provided by Casei Eco-System, a technical partner of Ecopneus.
What is GiocaFiPe?
GiocaFiPe is a project of the Italian Weightlifting Federation designed to introduce children and young people aged 4 to 14 to sports. The project uses play to teach physical education.
Federation instructors guide participants through fun activities. These include motor skill courses, relay races, team games, and simple exercises that help improve balance and coordination.
For more information, you can visit the official GiocaFiPe page.
Summary of the GiocaFiPe Project
- Project name: GiocaFiPe
- Organizer: Italian Weightlifting Federation
- Age of participants: from 4 to 14 years old
- Objectives: Promote physical education, fun, and socialization
- Type of activities: Sports games, motor skill courses, relay races
- Method: Qualified instructors using games and fun activities
- Contexts: Schools, public events, sports centers
- More information: GiocaFiPe Official Website
The Importance of Physical Education
Physical education is fundamental for the harmonious development of children. According to the Italian National Institute of Health, it contributes to:
- Developing body awareness and its movement possibilities.
- Improving motor coordination, balance, and posture.
- Promoting socialization through group activities that teach respect for rules and collaboration.
- Stimulating cognitive abilities, such as attention and concentration, also improving academic performance.
Moreover, regular physical activity brings numerous health benefits to children, including:
- Maintaining an appropriate body weight.
- Strengthening the musculoskeletal system.
- Preventing spinal alterations.
- Improving psychological well-being, reducing anxiety and stress.
To learn more:
- Physical Activity and Health: Children and Adolescents – Epicentro.Iss.it
- Physical Activity, 5 Benefits for Children – Save the Children
Moving to Feel Good: Body and Mind Grow Together
Physical activity not only helps the body but also the mind. Regular movement improves mood, reduces stress, and strengthens self-esteem in children. Participating in group games, facing small obstacles in courses, or simply challenging themselves with new exercises can increase self-confidence. Furthermore, children who exercise regularly show greater serenity, concentration, and ability to handle emotions.
Location being set up with installation of recycled rubber flooring ECO-GYM
An Environment That Stimulates Movement: The Importance of the Play Surface
The quality of the space in which one moves makes a difference. A safe and comfortable surface, like the recycled rubber used for GiocaFiPe, helps children participate actively without fear of falling or getting hurt. This type of flooring reduces the risk of injuries and promotes freedom of movement, making the experience more enjoyable and educational. The choice of sustainable materials demonstrates that it’s possible to combine attention to health, safety, and respect for the environment.
Safe and Ecological Flooring
During the Earth Village event, the flooring used for GiocaFiPe activities was made of recycled rubber, sourced from end-of-life tires, a model commonly used in gyms and fitness centers.
The material is soft and durable. It helps reduce impacts and prevent injuries. This creates a safe environment for children who play and do sports.
A Fun and Sustainable Event
The success of the event demonstrated that it is possible to teach physical education in a fun and sustainable way. The children were involved in activities that are good for both the body and the environment. The use of eco-friendly flooring made the play safe, while also teaching the younger ones about the importance of sustainability and respect for the environment.
This stop at the Earth Village is just one of the many initiatives of the GiocaFiPe circuit. These activities take place in various Italian locations. The goal is to promote physical education among young people.
