A CELEBRATION OF HEALTHY LIVING, CULTURE AND INCLUSION
Mountain Games Cyprus 2026
Join us in the Troodos Mountains from 23–26 September 2026 for Mountain Games Cyprus 2026, a non-profit European mountain event celebrating healthy lifestyles, movement, inclusion, culture and community life. Open to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
Project No. 101245542 – MOUNTAIN GAMES – ERASMUS-SPORT-2025-SNCESE
Organised By
23–26 September 2026
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Troodos Mountains
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23–26 September 2026 • Troodos Mountains •
ΠΗΓΗ: Υφυπουργείο Τουρισμού
Welcome to Mountain Games Cyprus 2026, a 12-month European initiative culminating in a vibrant four-day public celebration in the Troodos Mountains. Coinciding with the European Week of Sport #BeActive, the event transcends traditional sports boundaries by actively linking physical health with local gastronomy, environmental responsibility and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Healthy Lifestyles for All
The four-day programme is structured around six thematic programme areas: the Mountain Games International Symposium, Elevate Your Life, Mountain Games in Action, Mountain Culture in Motion, Mountain Games Futures Lab and Taste, Move & Thrive. Together, these areas connect science, schools, field activities, culture, youth participation, mountain tourism, trail quality, gastronomy and community life into one shared European mountain experience.
Funded by the European Union under Erasmus+ Sport 2025 and coordinated by MountMed Institute, Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 brings together European partners, scientific contributors, local communities, schools, producers, athletes, visitors and cultural actors across the Troodos mountain region.
European Week of Sport 2026
From 23-30 September, join people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
11 years. 42 countries. 1 movement.
#BeActive your way in 2026: no pressure, no judgment.
For you, it could be as simple as getting up and moving around this very minute. Wherever you are, whoever you are. No fancy equipment or sports clothes needed. Just be yourself and move however you want.
Six Thematic Programme Areas
Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 is structured around six interconnected thematic programme areas. Together, they connect science, schools, field activities, culture, youth participation, mountain tourism, gastronomy and community life across the Troodos region, creating one shared European mountain experience.
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1. Mountain Games International Symposium
Science. Health. Active Lives.
An international scientific symposium on physical activity, public health, prevention, childhood, inclusion, equality in sport, active ageing and quality of life in mountain communities.
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2. Elevate Your Life
Active Youth. Healthy Living. Your Way.
A school and youth programme that turns health and movement into a hands-on experience through physical activity, nutrition, cooperation, traditional games, participatory learning and inclusion.
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3. Mountain Games in Action
Walk. Navigate. Ride. Discover the Peaks.
Field activities across the Troodos Mountains, including hiking, nature walks, orienteering, mountain cycling, cycling routes and the U12 Football Academies Mentoring Tournament.
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4. Mountain Culture in Motion
Dance. Heritage. Living Traditions.
A cultural programme of traditional dance, music, intercultural workshops, European dance encounters, live performances and cultural walks through mountain communities.
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5. Mountain Games Futures Lab
Tourism. Youth. Quality Trails. Communities.
A participatory platform connecting mountain tourism, youth engagement, trail quality, community resilience and the long-term legacy of the Mountain Games.
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6. Taste, Move & Thrive
Troodos Mountain Food Market & Heritage Gastronomy Ateliers
A two-day gastronomy and agri-food programme in Omodos, with a Mountain Products Market, heritage gastronomy workshops, tastings, wine experiences, thematic discussions and public activities.
The Four-Day Experience at a Glance
Across four days, Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 unfolds in villages, schools, trails, squares, cultural venues and community spaces throughout Troodos. This short overview highlights the main focus of each day. The full daily programme is available in the Programme & Schedule section.
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Wednesday, September 23
Scientific Opening in Platres
The event opens in Platres with the Mountain Games International Symposium – Science. Health. Active Lives., under the auspices of the Minister of Health. The day brings together scientists, institutions, health and sports organisations, European partners and implementing bodies.
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Thursday, September 24
Schools, Hiking, Youth and Mountain Futures
The programme expands across the Troodos Mountains with Elevate Your Life in Agros, hiking and nature-walking experiences in Madari–Pitsilia, Millomeris Waterfall and the Artemis Trail, the thematic seminar on mountain areas and community resilience, the Youth Workshop in Evrychou and intercultural dance workshops in Platres.
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Friday, September 25
Omodos in Motion: Schools, Orienteering, Food and Culture
The focus moves to Omodos and Omodos School, with two parallel Elevate Your Life programmes, including a specially adapted activity for persons with visual impairment or reduced vision. The Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe programme begins in Spilia, while Taste, Move & Thrive opens in Omodos with gastronomy workshops, tastings, craft activities, orienteering, European dance and live music.
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Saturday, September 26
Mountain Action, Taste, Culture and Legacy
The final day brings together the Mountain Games Cycling Festival, the U12 Football Academies Mentoring Tournament, cultural walks along the Heartland of Legends, the continuation of Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe, the second day of Taste, Move & Thrive, the Amalgamation Choir, the Mountain Games Legacy Forum and the Mountain Games Closing Gala.
Inclusion & Accessibility Commitment
Accessibility and inclusion are embedded across Mountain Games Cyprus 2026. The programme includes activities for children, young people, families, older persons, persons with disabilities and visitors with different levels of experience and physical ability.
A specially adapted Elevate Your Life programme in Omodos will address persons with visual impairment or reduced vision, while Let’s Dance 4 brings music, movement and traditional dance to care homes for older persons and persons with disabilities.
Our inclusive design guarantees active participation and equal access for all, without discrimination.
Environmental Responsibility
Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 is designed with respect for the Troodos mountain landscape and the communities that host it. Field activities will promote responsible presence in nature, careful use of trails, respect for habitats and awareness of the relationship between physical activity and environmental protection.
The event will also encourage sustainable mobility choices, cooperation with local actors and actions that leave a positive legacy for mountain communities.