Call for Expression of Interest
for Collaboration and Inclusion of Activities in the Official Programme of Mountain Games Cyprus 2026
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“Mountain Games: A Celebration of Sport, Culture, and Inclusion” is a fully non-profit European sporting event, addressed to all citizens regardless of age, social background or level of physical ability, with the central message “Healthy Lifestyles for All.”
The public culmination of the event will take place in Troodos from 23 to 26 September 2026, during the European Week of Sport #BeActive.
Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 is implemented with funding from the European Union under the Erasmus+ Sport 2025 programme, coordinated by the Research and Development Institute of Mediterranean Island Mountainous Areas (MountMed Institute).
The event is developed through a European partnership scheme consisting of eleven organisations from ten countries: Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia and Türkiye. The partnership includes European federations, national associations, universities, sports organisations and specialised institutions.
The event goes beyond the boundaries of a traditional sporting event. It connects physical activity and sport with public health, mental wellbeing, inclusion, culture, local identity, the natural environment and the sustainable development of mountain communities.
At its core is the active participation of the people and communities of Troodos, while also creating connections between mountain areas and organisations, groups and citizens from across Cyprus.
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23 September 2026 / Opening Ceremony and International Scientific Symposium
Official and scientific opening of the event.
24 September 2026 / Mountain Biking, School Activities, Traditional Games, Participatory Discussion Workshops and Dance Activities in Senior Care Facilities
Activities focused on physical activity, traditional games, community participation, dialogue and cultural expression.
25 September 2026 / Orienteering, School Activities, Music and Movement, Participatory Discussion Workshops, and Launch of the Two-Day Section Dedicated to Troodos Agri-Food Products and Gastronomy
Activities combining sport, education, movement, community engagement, and the promotion of local gastronomy and agri-food heritage.
26 September 2026 / Hiking, Cultural Walks, Continuation of the Two-Day Section Dedicated to Troodos Agri-Food Products and Gastronomy
Outdoor activities, cultural experiences and exploration of the local landscape, combined with the celebration of Troodos’ gastronomy and identity.
Note: This call for expression of interest mainly concerns proposals for activities that can be integrated into the programme of 24–26 September 2026.
It does not concern the organisation of the Opening Ceremony, the International Scientific Symposium or the Closing Ceremony, which remain central components of the event and will be organised separately by the event organisers.
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Through this call for expression of interest, the MountMed Institute invites local authorities, organised organisations and informal citizen groups to actively participate in an open process of co-creating and enriching the programme of Mountain Games Cyprus 2026.
Through this process, interested parties can propose activities, showcase their own initiatives and contribute to strengthening the social and community dimension of the event, with the opportunity for their activities to be included in the official programme of a European initiative with international reach.
Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 is organised within the framework of the European Week of Sport #BeActive. At the time of this call, the official institutional supporters of the event are the Cyprus Sports Organisation (CSO) and the Cyprus National Paralympic Committee.
The submitted proposals will be reviewed by the MountMed Institute regarding their alignment with the objectives, thematic identity, organisational requirements and overall programme of Mountain Games Cyprus 2026.
The possible inclusion of activities in the official programme will take place following evaluation, operational alignment and the conclusion of a relevant collaboration agreement with the MountMed Institute.
The aim of this process is to create a unified, dynamic and functional programme, where different organisations, villages, groups, schools and volunteers can connect and collaborate.
Through this approach, Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 aims to serve as a platform for participation, cooperation, local expression and community engagement, achieving greater reach, improved coordination and a stronger social impact.
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The following entities are eligible to submit proposals, including but not limited to:
Community Councils and Councils of Community Clusters.
Youth Centres, youth groups and informal citizen groups.
Cultural associations, dance groups and local cultural organisations.
Sports clubs, outdoor activity groups and volunteer organisations.
Schools, parent associations and organised school communities, where activities can be implemented with the required approvals.
Organisations or groups based outside mountain communities, which either already operate in Troodos or wish to connect with the region and participate in activities related to sport, culture, family participation or community engagement.
This call does not concern commercial participation, product sales or specialised activities by producers, local craft businesses, food processors or gastronomy-related organisations.
Relevant participation opportunities, where required for the Taste, Move & Thrive section, will be considered through a separate process.
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The proposed activities should reflect the spirit of the European Week of Sport #BeActive and support the message “Healthy Lifestyles for All.”
Indicatively, proposals may include:
Mountain biking
Traditional games, stone throwing, and experiential activities introducing participants to intangible cultural heritage
School and open activities promoting healthy nutrition, exercise and physical activity
Orienteering activities and school/community/family participation programmes, including navigation games
Stargazing, geological interpretation, discovery games and environmental learning activities
Hiking, trail running, family routes and landscape interpretation experiences
Family activities involving physical activity, play, movement, walking or discovering the mountain environment
Intergenerational activities (transfer of knowledge from older generations to younger people) and activities connecting movement with intangible cultural heritage
Traditional dances involving local dance groups or cultural organisations
Cultural or thematic walks in villages, landmarks, trails or areas of natural and cultural interest
Activities should encourage and promote the participation of:
Schools
Families
Children
Young people
Older adults
People with disabilities
Following the submission of proposals, MountMed may suggest adaptations, combinations or adjustments regarding the date, location or target audience of activities, in order to ensure their optimal integration into the overall programme.
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The approved activities will be included in the official programme of Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 / European Week of Sport #BeActive, and the organisations implementing them will become part of a European event with institutional, communication and social impact.
Depending on the nature and needs of each activity, MountMed will provide:
Inclusion of the approved activity in the official programme and the overall narrative of the event.
Central promotion before, during and after the event through the available communication channels, the press centre, social media platforms and the overall Mountain Games communication material.
Photographic coverage and the use of selected material for the documentation and promotion of activities.
Templates and materials related to photography/video consent forms, basic communication guidelines and the use of the event’s visual identity.
Coordination and alignment with other activities, organisations, villages, participant groups or transportation arrangements, where this can enhance the overall outcome.
The possibility of organised audience transportation by buses from urban or other central locations, provided this is operationally feasible and incorporated into the overall transport planning.
Basic logistical support, where required and available, such as venue coordination, basic equipment, signage or practical assistance.
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The organisation or group proposing an activity assumes responsibility for the concept, local organisation and meaningful participation of the public on the ground.
Specifically, it is responsible for:
Providing a clear description of the proposed activity and its implementation plan.
Appointing an activity coordinator and implementation team.
Mobilising local participants, volunteers, members or partners.
Collaborating with MountMed for the final integration, adaptation or alignment of the activity within the programme.
Securing any necessary permits, consents and agreements with venues, schools, communities or other involved parties.
Ensuring that the activity can be implemented safely, in an appropriate location and with all necessary arrangements or approvals from schools, communities or other stakeholders.
Following the guidelines provided regarding the use of logos, photography, personal data protection, participation of minors and promotion of the event.
Participating, where requested, in short coordination meetings before the finalisation of the programme.
The inclusion of an activity in the programme does not automatically imply financial support, compensation or coverage of operational expenses of the applicant organisation.
Any specific provisions, materials, transportation arrangements or forms of support will be explicitly defined in the collaboration agreement.
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The evaluation of proposals will be practical and implementation-oriented.
The following criteria will be considered:
Clear Concept and Feasibility of Implementation
The proposal describes a specific activity, including the location, target audience, core implementation team and realistic duration.
Connection with Healthy Lifestyles for All and #BeActive
The activity promotes physical activity, active participation, health, wellbeing or an experiential connection with the mountain environment.
Community Participation and Grassroots Engagement
The activity is not simply a presentation or demonstration. It actively engages communities, young people, families, volunteers, schools, cultural groups or local residents.
Complementarity with the Overall Programme
The activity can be connected with a specific day, location or thematic section of the event and contributes to strengthening the overall programme.
Safety and Organisational Capacity
There is a clear assessment of requirements related to venues, permits, supervisors, coordinators, equipment, transportation or possible limitations.
Accessibility and Participation
The proposal considers, where possible, children, families, older adults, people with disabilities or participants with accessibility needs.
Non-Profit and Open Character
The activity aligns with the public and non-profit nature of the event and does not have a primarily commercial, political or exclusive character.
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Interested organisations and groups are invited to submit the activity inclusion application form within the announced deadline.
Submission deadline: 31 / 07 / 2026
Following submission, MountMed will review the proposals, communicate with applicants where further clarification is required and evaluate the possibility of integrating or aligning them with other activities.
Organisations whose proposals are approved will be invited to confirm their collaboration and agree on the specific terms for the inclusion of their activity in the programme.
The inclusion of an activity in the Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 programme does not necessarily imply financial funding.
It represents participation in the official programme, promotion, coordination, institutional connection and, where possible, the provision of specific logistical support.
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Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 is aligned with the spirit and timeframe of the European Week of Sport #BeActive.
The MountMed Institute is in institutional communication with the Cyprus Sports Organisation (CSO), which provides institutional support to the event.
Organisations whose activities are approved for inclusion in the Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 programme will be able, where required and according to the relevant guidelines, to declare this collaboration when submitting their activity through the CSO platform or process for the European Week of Sport #BeActive.
Specifically, they will be able to register their activity on the platform by indicating MountMed Institute as co-organiser.
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For further information, clarification, or submission of applications, please contact:
Organisation: MountMed Institute
Contact Person: Stavroulla Kozakou
Email: stavroulla@mountmedinstitute.com
Telephone: +357 99 88 93 07
Funding Statement
Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.